Tapirs have an important role in natural ecosystems. They are considered landscapers and keystone species due to seed dispersion, selective browsing and wide mobility. They have a major impact on physiognomy and functionality of their own habitat.

Little is known on the species that live in Argentina, which is its southernmost limit of distribution, and where they are considered vulnerable and locally endangered because of habitat reduction and hunting mainly. There is thus, a pressing need for basic information on tapirs in this area, to use for their long-term conservation and management.

The Project starts in 2001 with an evaluation of the species’ distribution in Salta Province. Lately, we based our long-term research in El Rey National Park and surrounding lands, Salta, in Northwestern Argentina. We currently develop six sub-projects, and are integrated by professionals and advanced students belonging to: Wildlife Conservation Society, Tapir Specialist Group/IUCN, National University of Salta, National University of Litoral, and University of Buenos Aires.

We are supported by: Wildlife Conservation Society Tapir Specialist Group Administración de Parques Nacionales Wildlife Trust Idea Wild

M. Sc. Wildlife Management Silvia Chalukian Project´s coordinator

Tapir's conservation project in Northwest Argentine - 2004, All Right Reserved