A Century-Long Disappearance Ends: The South American Tapir's Triumphant Return! 🐾🌿
Bu Jude Obuseh In an astonishing turn of events, the South American tapir, the largest terrestrial mammal in South America, has been spotted in Brazil's Atlantic Forest after more than a century of presumed absence. This remarkable rediscovery has sent waves of excitement through the scientific community and ignited fresh hope for the region's biodiversity. The last confirmed sighting of the South American tapir in the Atlantic Forest dates back to 1914. For over 100 years, the species was believed to have vanished from this dense and diverse ecosystem. However, recent footage has captured not just one, but three of these elusive creatures navigating their ancestral habitat. This unexpected resurgence is being hailed as a beacon of optimism for conservationists worldwide. The South American tapir, known scientifically as Tapirus terrestris , plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. Often referred to as a "gardener of the forest," tapirs aid in seed dispersal, promot...