Noteworthy records of Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in the Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

The Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), is the largest mammalian species of neotropical affinity knowntoday. It plays a very important role in tropical forest ecology in terms of herbivory, predation and seed dispersal.However, due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, the species is endangered. Using camera-traps and with the informedparticipation of the people from the locality, we documented the presence of several individuals of this species inTotontepec, Villa de Morelos, Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca. Evidence suggests the existence of a breeding population andconfirms earlier work that suggested its presence in the area.