Lowland tapirs as Landscape Detectives of the Atlantic Forest: An Innovative Conservation Approach

Abstract

This long-term research project investigates the conservation status of lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in the Pontal do Paranapanema Region, located in the extreme west of São Paulo State, Brazil. The Pontal region includes Morro do Diabo State Park (35,000 ha), one of the last remnants of Atlantic Forest of significant size, and surrounding forest fragments (12,000 ha). Specifically, population size, conservation genetics, health status and dispersal pattern information are continuously evaluated and monitored. The major goal of this project is to use this database to facilitate the implementation of two management plans critical to the long-term conservation of tapirs and the Atlantic Forest ecosystem itself: 1.) Metapopulation management of tapirs (e.g. the promotion of genetic exchange between reduced or fragmented populations), and 2.) Restoration of main wildlife corridors to re-establish landscape connectivity, increase habitat availability and improve biological diversity in fragmented rural landscapes. Metapopulation management and habitat conservation planning, which involves identification and restoration of main animal routes and corridors, are seen as effective conservation strategies. Consequently, future metapopulation management may include the shifting (e.g. reintroductions, translocations, managed long distance dispersal) of individuals between fragments.