Just like every year, 2005 was super busy and productive, and the entire Lowland Tapir Project team worked very hard. The team did not conduct capture rounds this year. The main focus was monitoring the radio-collared tapirs in the center of the park, and analysing telemetry, genetics, epidemiological and feeding ecology data. Veterinarians - Paulo Mangini and George Velastin - spent the entire year analysing biological samples and getting results for the epidemiological component of the project. All samples (blood, swabs, urine, ectoparasites etc.) were processed and analyzed. Geneticist - Anders Gonçalves da Silva - spent the first six months of 2005 in the field collecting hundreds of biological samples (blood, tissue, hair, and fecal samples) in Morro do Diabo Park and surrounding forest fragments. In the second semester, Anders locked himself in the laboratory and analyzed the samples getting the necessary results for the genetic component of the project. These results will be the basis for Anders’ PhD dissertation, which he is planning to finish in November 2006, and for our analysis of population viability. Team member Cristina Tófoli who is in charge of conducting the study to investigate the tapir’s feeding ecology and potential as seed disperser collected, processed and analyzed approximately 350 fecal samples. All diet items were listed and their frequencies calculated, and fruits and seeds were identified with the help of a botanist from São Paulo University. Cristina is in the process of writing up her Masters Dissertation using this data.

They continue to work on the development of the footprint identification technique (FIT) for lowland tapirs. The FIT methodology was first developed for rhinos, and we are now working on the development of the FIT algorithm for the four tapir species. For the development of the FIT for lowland tapirs, we are working with zoos holding the species in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, North America and Europe. Collected so far are samples from 32 different animals. Once developed, the algorithm will be field-tested, validated and the technology will be transfered so that the model can be used by a number of researchers in the field.

The entire field team will be attending the Third International Tapir Symposium that will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from January 26 to 31st, 2006: presenting project results and learning from many other tapirologists from all over the world!

Best wishes from Brazil,
Pati Medici

Web IPÊ: www.ipe.org.br, Web Third Tapir Symposium