Project Overview

	The project was initiated in 1994 by Charles Foerster and is currently the largest and longest-running field study of tapirs in the world. Five tapirs were radiocollared the first year and data on habitat use, home range size, activity patterns and foraging behavior was analyzed for Charles' Master's degree in Wildlife Management from the National University in Costa Rica. In 1997 the study area was expanded and 13 more tapirs were tagged. To date, 28 different tapirs have been radiocollared and we have succeeded in collecting a considerable amount of information on reproduction, survival, mortality, and dispersal. However, considering the slow reproductive rate and longevity of the tapir many more years of study are needed before we can fully understand the dynamics of the population.
Sirena Biological Station in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica was chosen as the field site because it is one of the few areas remaining in Central America where a population of Baird's tapirs live without pressure from deforestation or hunting. This characteristic was crucial because the goal was to document the "behavior" of a healthy population. The underlying philosophy behind the study is that with a better understanding of how an intact, healthy tapir population functions, we will be better equipped to identify abnormalities in populations influenced by human activities. As a result,management plans can be implemented to address those specific problems. The complete proposal for the project can be viewed here.