News
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2003)
Ecology and Conservation of the Mountain Tapir in the Central Andes of Colombia
Wildlife Conservation Society
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Submitted
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22 June 2025
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Published
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2003-12-01
Abstract
In the tropical Andes, the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) is the largest mammal, eating a variety of plants, fruit and seedlings, along tapir trails and in tree fall gaps. Studies in Bolivia’s lowlands suggest that herbivory by large mammals affects plant community dynamics by reducing the competitive ability of faster growing herbaceous species, which would out compete less competitive species. But to date we do not have similar data for the tropical Andes region. This research will provide information regarding the importance of mountain tapirs as herbivores.
References
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- Downer, C. C. 1996. The mountain tapir, endangered “flagship” species of the high Andes. Oryx 30: 45-58.
- McInnis, M. L., Vavra, M. & Krueger, W. C. 1983. A comparison of four methods used to determine the diets of large herbivores. J. of Range Management 36: 302-307.
- Painter, R. L. E. 1998. Gardeners of the Forest: Plant-animal Interactions in a Neotropical Forest Ungulate Community. University of Liverpool, Liverpool.
- Redford, K., & Robinson, J. 1987. The game of choice: Patterns of Indian and colonist hunting in the Neotropics. American Anthropologist 89: 650-667.
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