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Articles

Vol. 18 No. 25 (2009)

Population Estimates of Malay Tapir, Tapirus indicus, by Camera Trapping in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Malaysia

Submitted
8 July 2025
Published
2009-06-01

Abstract

The Malay tapir (Tapirus indicus) is the only Old World tapir species. Its distribution ranges from Southern Thailand and Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. Due to habitat destruction it is believed that the population density has decreased during the past two decades. There have been no specific population density studies of Malay tapir in the past. This study proposes a new method for identifying tapir individuals and estimating the population density of Malay tapir from photographs. The study took place in Krau Wildlife Reserve, Malaysia, consisting of 63.000 ha undisturbed tropical forest. Two units of camera traps were deployed at 13 different salt-licks where tapirs had been recorded. All animal species photographed were recorded and all photographs containing tapirs were analysed and individuals were dentified. The results reveal that using necklines is a reliable method for identifying and distinguishing between individual tapirs. The results also suggest that tapirs frequent salt licks relatively often when compared to other species, and that any individual frequently visit salt licks more than 15km apart. The study estimated approximately 45-50 tapirs in Krau Wildlife Reserve.

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