Latest from Sirena
February 18, 2009
Rumors have been coming out of Sirena (biological station on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica) that the tapir project has been abandoned and that tapirs are dying because of the tight collars. It appears that these rumors are being initiated by tour guides at the park who have never been fans of collars on these animals because they worry tourists don't want to see animals with collars. The project has not been abandoned and NO tapir has died because of the ongoing research. These collars do look tight due to the shape of these animals, but the practice of radio collaring tapirs is well established.
As living organisms tapirs do die of natural causes and there is poaching happening in the park. There have been three recent deaths: two were due to natural causes and one was a result of poaching. The tapirs are doing well and I would appreciate anyone hearing about these rumors to email me and inform me who is originating them. We can not let the tapirs suffer by loss of knowledge because a few people want to see tapir without collars. If you are visiting the Osa, ask around and choose your guides carefully. Most of the guides are informed and real advocates for conservation.