We investigated the conservation status of Tapirus terrestris in Espírito Santo by interviewing scientists and reserve managers working there and by visiting forests ≥ 1000 ha. Whereas tapirs inhabited the entire state at the beginning of the 20th century, their populations were reduced to three, or possibly four, isolated populations by the time of the study (2006). Widespread defores-tation, escaped fires, and excessive hunting were the principal causes of the tapirs decline. Although hunting pressure has decreased in the past decades and does not appear to be an imminent threat to the extant populations, the populations in the two smaller reserves (Córrego Grande and Córrego do Veado) are vulnerable to escaped fires and the deleterious consequences of inbreeding depression. The larger population (Sooretama and Linhares reserves) has good prospects for long-term persistence. Each population is isolated from the others by inhospitable landscapes and due to the intensive use of these lands it is unlikely that it will be possible to create movement corridors. Conservationists are active in the state and as the reserve managers are supportive of conservation and research programs and there is suitable habitat for tapir re-introductions, the future for tapirs in the state is hopeful.
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