SaveTapirs.org is more than a fight to save a single endangered species. We are dedicated to saving the habitat in which the tapirs live in. The number one reason that the tapirs are going extinct is because they have no place left to live. Deforestation and lack of corridors between habitats limits the genetic diversity and, as a result, the chances of survival for the tapir. Saving their habitat not only benefits the tapir, but every species from microbe to monkey.
But we don't want to stop here. We want local people to be aware of the tapir and work with us to save them. To do this we are forming relationships with other non-profit organizations in Costa Rica whose main goal is education. Together we can all help save the tapir and their native habitat.
The Baird's tapir project was started in 1994 by Charles Foerster and is the longest ongoing tapir project in the world. It is currently led by Kendra Bauer and involves placing radio collars on tapirs in Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park to study their social systems and habitat preferences. The data obtained from this project is crucial for the development of animal husbandry guidelines as well as for the understanding and conserving this endangered species. Read more...
The Baird's Tapir Project is currently raising money for GPS radio collars for the tapirs. The plan is to raise money for five GPS collars for tapirs in Zone 2. We are choosing these tapirs first because they are the easiest to monitor. After we get all the kinks out we will start radio collaring all twelve tapirs near the ranger station.
June 21, 2008
Kendra just got back from Costa Rica and there are some new babies! Prima had a baby that is about 1-2 months old and we're working on getting the pictures posted. Playa and Sol (zone 1) also had a baby that we need to name! Check out the name-a-tapir page to learn how you can participate in selecting a name.
April 8, 2008
We're currently raising $800 to help with a project to study Mamasota as she ages. She has been getting thinner and we want to follow her around to understand if her behavior is changing. Visit the Mamasota page to learn more, or the donation page to help with this project
April 3, 2008
Join us in celebrating the inaugural World Tapir Day on April 27! It's our opportunity to raise awareness of this amazing animal.