These are exciting times in the tapir world. A potentially new species has been described (Cozzuol et al. 2013 Journal of Mammalogy), named Tapirus kabomoni, and the TSG is now tasked with the job of deciding if and how to fit this new species into its mission to conserve tapirs and their habitat. The issue will be debated at this year’s Sixth International Tapir Symposium to be held in Campo Grande, Brazil. The Newsletter will also be publishing a special issue on the topic, reporting the outcome of a special panel of experts convened to produce recommendations to the TSG. In the spirit of fairness and to foster an open debate, we will also be publishing a reply by the authors of the description of Tapirus kabomani, in which they get an opportunity to counter the panel’s recommendations. The debate is intense and worth following. Ultimately, we are grappling with a fundamental question in biology. What is a species? The answer is seldom straightforward, and should be considered carefully. The special report will be published during the Symposium.
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