In early July 2024, the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, located in Cachoeiras de Macacu, Rio de Janeiro, celebrated the birth of a new tapir calf. Refauna, the project responsible for reintroducing the species to the region, released a short video recording the seventh calf born in the reserve, a significant milestone for the preservation of local fauna.
The record was made by biologist Manoel Muanis during a mammal monitoring activity. It is estimated that the calf, whose mother is tapir Jasmine, has just over a month of life. Jasmine, from the Guarulhos Zoo, has adapted exceptionally well to the new environment, having given birth to three calves since its reintroduction in 2020.
"We are extremely happy with the birth of the seventh tapir calf. Jasmine is showing an excellent reproductive success, which is crucial to the success of the project," said Joana Macedo, coordinator of the Guapiaçu project biodiversity monitoring.
Since the beginning of the reintroduction program in 2017, 22 tapirs have been released in the reserve, of which 14 still survive, although eight have died due to running overs and conflicts between individuals. The return of tapirs, a species considered vulnerable by the Red List of IUCN, is vital for the ecological recovery of the area, as these animals play a crucial role in dispersing seeds and maintaining forest health.
The Refauna Project, in partnership with the Guapiaçu Project and with the support of Petrobras, continues to work towards the conservation of this species, contributing to the restoration of the forests of Rio de Janeiro and reinforcing the importance of preserving biodiversity.
The Guapiaçu Project is an initiative of the Socio-Environmental Action Institute - ASA, in partnership with Refauna, Caminho da Mata Atlântica, Petrobras, and support from the City Hall of Cachoeiras de Macacu and the Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve - REGUA, where the images were recorded.
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