determining the numbers of a landscape architect species (tapirus terrestris), using footprints

Determinación de la abundancia de una especie arquitecta del paisaje (*Tapirus terrestris*) mediante huellas

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ID: 225239
2018
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Abstract
Background As a landscape architect and a major seed disperser, the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is an important indicator of the ecological health of certain habitats. Therefore, reliable data regarding tapir populations are fundamental in understanding ecosystem dynamics, including those associated with the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Currently, many population monitoring studies use invasive tagging with radio or satellite/Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. These techniques can be costly and unreliable, and the immobilization required carries physiological risks that are undesirable particularly for threatened and elusive species such as the lowland tapir. Methods We collected data from one of the last regions with a viable population of lowland tapir in the south-eastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil, using a new non-invasive method for identifying species, the footprint identification technique (FIT). Results We identified the minimum number of tapirs in the study area and, in addition, we observed that they have overlapping ranges. Four hundred and forty footprints from 46 trails collected from six locations in the study area in a landscape known to contain tapir were analyzed, and 29 individuals were identified from these footprints. Discussion We demonstrate a practical application of FIT for lowland tapir censusing. Our study shows that FIT is an effective method for the identification of individuals of a threatened species, even when they lack visible natural markings on their bodies. FIT offers several benefits over other methods, especially for tapir management. As a non-invasive method, it can be used to census or monitor species, giving rapid feedback to managers of protected areas.
Antecedentes Como arquitecto del paisaje y dispersor clave de semillas, el tapir de tierras bajas (Tapirus terrestris) constituye un indicador importante de la salud ecológica de ciertos hábitats. Por lo tanto, los datos fiables sobre las poblaciones de tapir son fundamentales para comprender la dinámica de los ecosistemas, incluidos los asociados al bosque atlántico en Brasil. En la actualidad, numerosos estudios de monitoreo poblacional emplean el marcado invasivo mediante collares de radiotelemetría o del sistema de posicionamiento global (GPS)/satelitales. Estas técnicas pueden resultar costosas y poco fiables, y la inmovilización requerida conlleva riesgos fisiológicos indeseables, en particular para especies amenazadas y elusivas como el tapir de tierras bajas. Métodos Recopilamos datos en una de las últimas regiones con una población viable de tapir de tierras bajas en el sureste del bosque atlántico, Brasil, utilizando un nuevo método no invasivo para la identificación de especies: la técnica de identificación por huellas (FIT, por sus siglas en inglés). Resultados Identificamos el número mínimo de tapires en el área de estudio y, además, observamos que presentan rangos superpuestos. Se analizaron cuatrocientas cuarenta huellas procedentes de 46 rastros obtenidos en seis localidades del área de estudio dentro de un paisaje con presencia confirmada de tapir, y a partir de dichas huellas se identificaron 29 individuos. Discusión Demostramos una aplicación práctica de la FIT para la realización de censos del tapir de tierras bajas. Nuestro estudio evidencia que la FIT es un método eficaz para la identificación individual de una especie amenazada, incluso cuando carece de marcas corporales naturales y visibles. La FIT ofrece diversas ventajas frente a otros métodos, especialmente para la gestión y conservación del tapir. Al tratarse de un método no invasivo, puede utilizarse para censar o monitorear especies, proporcionando información rápida a los gestores de áreas protegidas.
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Authors Danielle O. Moreira, Sky K. Alibhai, Zoe C. Jewell, Cristina J. da Cunha, Jardel B. Seibert, Andressa Gatti
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Journal pediatrics
Year 2018
DOI
10.7717/peerj.4591
URL
https://peerj.com/articles/4591/
Keywords
protected area management census lowland tapir footprint identification technique

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