A preliminary investigation of the status and threats to Malayan tapir Tapirus indicus in the Taninthayi Nature Reserve, Myanmar.

Abstract

The Tenasserim Range along the Thailand – Myanmar border is one of largest forested landscapes(>110,000km2) in the global range of the Malayan Tapir Tapirus indicus but little is known about their status, distribution and current threats there. On the Myanmar side of the border, only one protected area, the 1700 km2 Taninthayi Nature Reserve, conserves tropical rainforests and affords biodiversity protection. During March to June 2011 surveys were conducted using camera-traps, tracks and sign, and interview methods. Over 60 km of trails were walked and tapir tracks and/or sign were detected at three of twelve survey routes. Over 630 trap nights recorded 2774 pictures of 19 species of mammals, including tapirs. At least three individual tapirs were recorded by camera-traps in two mineral licks in the core zone of the Reserve. A third of 119 interviewees reported having eaten tapir meat in the last 14 years. At least 26 tapirs were killed by local hunters and elephant capturers within the last two decades. Tapirs were also accidentally killed in pit fall traps and during commercial logging operations prior to the Reserve being gazetted. The short-term conservation priority for tapirs is to reduce poaching and accidental killings of tapirs. In response to the threat, continuation of a ranger training program is needed to raise capacity for law  enforcement. Occupancy surveys and studies of the impact of infrastructure development on tapir habitats along with developing a tapir conservation awareness program for local people is needed in the medium-term future. In the long-term a regional conservation plan is recommended to guide effective conservation of Myanmar’s Malayan tapir population and other important rainforest fauna.