Eighth Lowland Tapir Calf Born at Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve.

At the end of August 2025, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve in Rio de Janeiro State reported the birth of its eighth lowland tapir calf. The milestone was announced by Refauna, the project leading the reintroduction of the species in the region, which released a short video recorded by camera traps installed in the upper areas of the Reserve.

Camera trap images from the Refauna Project recording the new lowland tapir calf ©

The footage was captured by camera traps installed by the Refauna Project along trails in the upper areas of the Reserve. The new calf, born to “Jasmim” and “Valente”, belongs to the second generation of tapirs to be born in the State of Rio de Janeiro, more than 100 years after the species had become locally extinct. Jasmim, originally from Guarulhos Zoo, has adapted remarkably well to her new environment, having already given birth to four calves since her reintroduction in 2020.

“The birth of a second generation of tapirs in the wild is a significant achievement for the project. It demonstrates that the reintroduced animals have successfully adapted to the forests of Rio de Janeiro, that their offspring have thrived, and that they are now reproducing. This shows the population is becoming established and is likely to remain viable in the long term,” said Maron Galliez, President of the Refauna Project.

The Refauna Project, in partnership with the Guapiaçu Project and supported by Petrobras, continues to work for the conservation of the species, contributing to the restoration of the Atlantic Forest and highlighting the importance of protecting biodiversity.

Camera trap images from the Refauna Project recording the new lowland tapir calf ©