A anta (Tapirus terrestris) em fragmentos de floresta com araucária, paraná, Brasil

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the using area for use of tapir (Tapirus terrestris) along the Araucaria Ecological Corridor in relation to abundance, spatial distribution and area size. The research was carried out on 14 properties located on a spatial section of 659 km2 situated between the coordinates of 26°26'35" latitude S and 51°46'10" longitude W, and 26°12'19" latitude S and 51°24'45" longitude W. The points of occurrence of tapir were mapped based on interviews with local inhabitants and on tracks, paths, and other signs of its presence in the sampling areas. The areas were visited monthly during a period of 18 months. The points (UTM) where signs of the species were found had been marked by GPS and plotted on the map. The index of relative abundance was estimated based on all the events in which the specie was seen. Considering the values of relative abundance index for both groups of tapir studied, it was estimated an average of four individuals for an area of 4.314 ha or 43 km2.The relative density obtained was considered low. It is possible that hunting is the main cause of the population decline of the species in the studied region.