South American Tapir Sighted After Over a Century of Absence

The South American tapir, once believed extinct in Brazil's coastal Atlantic Forest for over a century, has made a significant return, according to researchers at the State Institute of Environment in Rio de Janeiro. Hidden trail cameras captured footage of a female tapir and her calves in Cunhambebe State Park, a conservation area established in 2008. The tapir, known for its vital role in seed dispersion and forest ecology, had not been seen in the Costa Verde region since 1914 due to habitat loss from hunting, urbanization, and deforestation. The presence of these animals is being hailed as evidence of the effectiveness of conservation efforts and protected areas, as they offer a sanctuary for endangered species. A spokesperson from the State Institute noted that the Cunhambebe State Park facilitates essential ecological processes, including population control and genetic flow among species. This successful recolonization underscores the critical importance of biodiversity and conservation initiatives in maintaining healthy ecosystems, which directly benefit human communities through services such as food production and climate regulation.

Two people have died following a plane crash into vehicles on a busy road in São Paulo, Brazil. According to a spokesperson for the fire department, the bodies of the victims were found in the wreckage of a twin-engine Beech F90 King Air that went down on Marques de São Vicente Avenue in the Barra Funda neighborhood around 7:20 AM local time. Images and video from the scene depict a bus engulfed in flames as a result of the crash. Reports from CNN Brasil indicate that a motorcyclist and a female bus passenger were injured by debris and have been transported to the hospital. Fortunately, the other passengers on the bus escaped without serious harm, though four individuals sustained minor injuries. The aircraft had reportedly taken off from Campo de Marte Airport and was en route to Porto Alegre in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul when it lost contact with the control tower shortly after departure. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

A small aircraft crashed into a bus in Barra Funda, São Paulo, on February 7, 2025, resulting in at least two fatalities. According to local reports, the plane, which departed from Campo de Marte Airport approximately five minutes before the incident, was attempting an emergency landing when it struck the bus around 7:20 AM local time. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion as the aircraft, flying unusually low, descended towards the city streets. Fortunately, the bus was reportedly empty at the time of the crash, although two pedestrians were injured by debris. Emergency services cordoned off the area to manage the fire that ensued and conducted rescue operations. The number of people on board the aircraft remains unconfirmed, with local authorities continuing their investigations into the mishap. São Paulo, with a population of around 11 million, is Brazil's largest city. Officials have not yet provided additional details regarding the victims or the cause of the accident.