Registros novedosos de dos especies de tapires en las estribaciones orientales de los Andes de Ecuador

Researchers document novel records of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) and mountain tapir (T. pinchaque) in Ecuador's eastern Andean slopes, including the lowest known elevation for the latter at 975 meters. The study compiled direct observations, camera trap data, tracks, and predation evidence from protected areas like Llanganates and Sangay National Parks, as well as community territories. Notably, the two tapir species were found to overlap at the extremes of their altitudinal ranges, with three predation events attributed to Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) and pumas (Puma concolor). The findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts due to threats from mining, road development, and hunting in these critical biodiversity areas.

Reyes-Puig, J. P., Grefa-Huatatoca, J. J., Grefa-Vargas, C. J., Weulersse, P., Konradowski, B., Ortiz, B., Vargas, R., Cerda, N., Cerda, J., & Ríos-Alvear, G. (2026). Novel records of two tapir species in the eastern slopes of the Andes of Ecuador. Mammalia Aequatorialis, 8(2), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.59763/mam.aeq.vi.166