NATURE
Scientists discover that largest South America mammal is no longer extinct and has suddenly reappeared 100 years later
The South American tapir is the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Amazon.

When they received the images and video footage, the excitement at Rio de Janeiro’s State Environmental Institute (INEA) was palpable.
Concealed cameras set up in the dense forests of the Atlantic Forest in the Cunhambebe State Park (PEC) revealed sightings of three South American tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, which were previously believed to be extinct.
There are four recognized species of tapir - a mammal which has inhabited the earth since since the Eocene - around 35 million years ago. Populations for all four species have been steadily declining and all are classified as endangered.
The South American tapir or Brazilian tapir was last spotted in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park in 1914. They are herbivores, who feed on leaves, buds, shoots, fruit, grass and aquatic plants.
However, urbanization, deforestation and poaching has caused numbers to dwindle. Other factors include low reproductive rates and a high infant mortality rate. All of that combined led to the South American tapir being included in the list of species in danger of extinction.
A total of 108 images and videos compiled by INEA revealed the presence of three tapirs - a female and her calves, walking through the dense forests of the Atlantic Forest in the Cunhambebe State Park (PEC), a unit conservation project of 38,000 hectares set up in 2008. The park offers an essential refuge for species in danger of extinction.
The reappearance of South American tapirs has thrilled conservationists and scientists and is considered an encouraging sign for the conservation of the region.
“This challenge reflects the importance of protected areas and conservation efforts in the recovery of emblematic species”, an INEA spokesperson said. Accordingly, the PEC is consolidated with this news as a bulwark of biodiversity in Rio de Janeiro, offering a new opportunity to protect tapires and other endangered species in its natural environment.
“The PEC serves as a sanctuary for species in danger of extinction, allowing the maintenance of several essential ecological interactions such as seed dispersion, population control and genetic flow”.
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