South American Tapir Returns After 100 Years – A Milestone for Nature and Humanity

The history of biodiversity is full of surprises, and this latest news is no exception: For the first time in a century, South America’s largest land mammal, the South American tapir (Tapirus terrestris), has been documented in Rio de Janeiro’s Costa Verde region.

Since 1914, tapirs were believed to have vanished from the area, where urbanization and intensive hunting nearly wiped out the local population. Yet nature can still surprise us, and now three tapirs – including a female with her young – have been caught on camera in the Cunhambebe State Park (PEC).

A Historic Reunion in a Unique Nature Reserve

Cunhambebe State Park is a 38,000-hectare sanctuary created in 2008 to protect what remains of the Atlantic Forest. It spans parts of Angra dos Reis, Rio Claro, Itaguaí, and Mangaratiba, and its name honors the legendary Tupinambá chief Cunhambebe, who fought against Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century. Today, this area is a core habitat for numerous endangered species – a treasure trove of biodiversity, where the tapir’s comeback proves that wildlife can rebound if given the chance.

An Iconic Species with a Crucial Role

Tapirs are easily recognized by their compact bodies, short legs, and distinctive flexible snouts, which they use to browse and search for food. They are related to rhinos and horses and are often called the “gardeners of the jungle” because they disperse seeds through their droppings, contributing to the forest’s natural regeneration. Though shy and difficult to spot, their impact on the ecosystem is enormous: they leave deep footprints in soft soil, creating small corridors of light where new plants can sprout.

From Local Extinction to a Hopeful Future

Footage from the state environmental institute INEA and the mining company Vale revealed the tapir’s unexpected return. Their collaboration includes installing camera traps to monitor endangered species and assess the effectiveness of conservation initiatives. That tapirs are reappearing confirms these efforts are on the right track – though challenges remain.

Continuing Threats to the Tapir

Despite this encouraging development, tapirs are still at risk of extinction. The same factors that led to their disappearance a century ago persist: deforestation, urban expansion, and poaching. This iconic species serves as an indicator of the forest’s overall health, and its survival is closely tied to the protection of its habitats.

A Sign of Nature’s Resilience

The tapir’s return to the Costa Verde region demonstrates that nature can recover when properly safeguarded. It is an uplifting testament to how targeted conservation and habitat preservation can give even the most threatened species a second chance.

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