The Effects of Hunting on Tapir Populations

This chapter examines the impacts of hunting on tapir (Tapirus spp.) populations, their relevant biological characteristics, and their potential for sustainable harvest through various alternatives. The impact of hunting on tapir populations is often linked to habitat degradation and other human activities. The combined effects can lead to lower densities and occupancy rates, reduced diurnal activity, and local extinctions in fragmented landscapes. In addition to harvest rates, population density and reproductive capacity are important variables to consider when evaluating sustainable hunting. Sustainable hunting has proven to be an important conservation tool for many rapidly reproducing wildlife populations, but given the low densities and modest reproductive capacity of tapirs, it may not be appropriate for these ungulates. Optimistic annual harvest rates estimated using different models were as low as one tapir every 14, 50, 167, and 12 km2 for T. bairdii, T. indicus, T. pinchaque, and T. terrestris, respectively. The promotion of ecotourism (tapir watching), captive breeding for display in zoos, and possible reintroduction are alternatives to hunting for the sustainable use of tapirs.