Return of the giants: 300-kilogram mammals, not seen for more than 100 years, re-settle in their homeland in Brazil

After a century of absence, tapirs, one of the largest land mammals in South America, weighing up to 300 kg, have reappeared in Brazil. The last time they were officially observed was in 1914.

This is reported by IFLScience. The lowland tapirs, which had not lived in the state of Rio de Janeiro for more than 100 years, have now returned.

Their presence was confirmed thanks to camera traps. The population of these animals is considered vulnerable, as their shyness and secrecy make it difficult to accurately determine the number of individuals in South America.

The decline in the number of lowland tapirs is due to factors such as deforestation, urbanization, hunting, and road accidents.

In recent years, attempts have been made to return these animals to their natural habitat. The emergence of tapirs in the state of Rio de Janeiro was probably a natural process, as evidenced by camera trap footage. They captured at least four individuals, including a mother and baby.

The unexpected return of tapirs to a region where they were previously thought to be extinct emphasizes the importance of preserving protected areas. According to biologist Marcelo Cuppello, this phenomenon indicates the gradual restoration of forest ecosystems capable of providing habitat for large mammals.

Tapirs play a key role in maintaining ecosystems by promoting the spread of tropical plant seeds. Using their snouts to forage for plant food, they spread seeds through their excrement. As a result, they are often called "gardeners of the forest" because their activities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in their habitats.

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