Tapir Population Rebound!

A pair of endangered Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) use the wildlife corridors in Fossil Creek.

We have clearly noticed an increase in large bodied mammals using the trails. Mammals like this have a profound impact on the terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests to better suit them.

The tapir doesn't destroy all the seeds it puts in its body but will deposit them, with fertilized packets of tapir feces. It is believed that the palm swamp forests of the Amazon would have a different forest dominance/composition if it weren't for their habits.

Many times, the tapir will purposely defecate in water or streams, personally I think it is to disperse their smell making it harder for predators to find them. It would also be advantageous for certain seeds that need lots of moisture to germinate.Also tapirs create mud wallows where many species of animals congregate to get their fill of minerals from the earth. After two years of protection and community involvement, the locals are making it easy for wildlife to thrive!Click here for a video of a pair of Tapir using wildlife corridors at the Fossil Creek Wildlife Reserve