Human–Tapir Coexistence: How to Manage Human–Tapir Conflicts in Less Developed Countries

The increasing expansion of human settlements and encroachment into wildlife territories has led to an increase in human–wildlife conflict. This conflict is complex, and standardizing human–wildlife interactions remains a challenge. In this chapter, we describe four types of interactions: (1) negative for both tapirs and humans, such as collisions with vehicles, which can result in the loss of tapirs as well as serious accidents that pose risks to human safety in addition to economic losses, and crop raiding, which is negative for humans mainly because of the economic loss when it triggers negative human attitudes, usually leading to tapir retaliation; (2) negative for wildlife and positive for humans, such as hunting/poaching, which is detrimental to tapirs; (3) positive for wildlife and negative for humans, such as cases of crop raiding where there is no retaliation; and (4) positive for both wildlife and humans, such as local initiatives to promote human well-being and tapir conservation through ecotourism. We also describe actions that have been called for to mitigate tapir crop raiding in some countries, such as the implementation of preventive measures and compensation programs, which can be effective tools to reduce conflict and promote coexistence. Compensating farmers who have suffered losses due to tapir crop raiding. Finally, the implementation of these measures will not only ensure the protection of tapirs and their habitats, but will also foster a sense of shared responsibility, leading to greater social cohesion and a better future for both people and tapirs.