Back from the shadows”: Rare mammal returns after 111 years in Brazil’s forests

Elusive Tapir Reappears After a Century in Hiding (Image: Canva)

Deep in Brazil's Cunhambebe State Park, hidden cameras uncovered a surprise. A mother tapir and her calf were walking peacefully, the first to be seen in the forest since 1914.

Why is this rediscovery significant?
The footage, recorded in early 2025, showed several South American tapirs. Their return signals not only survival but also the possible existence of an undetected population. Experts call it a rare ecological discovery.

Distinguished as "forest gardeners", tapirs seed widely. Diets high in fruit enable degraded environments to naturally regrow. They also clear paths in dense cover, benefiting other diminutive animals. Tapir dung improves soil health, dispersing nutrients throughout the forest floor. With only approximately 4,600 individuals remaining in the world, each verified population is significant.

Did these animals recolonise—or never leave?
Scientists are still debating whether the Cunhambebe tapirs are newcomers. Some may have migrated from nearby Serra do Mar State Park, where populations remain stable. Others may represent a hidden group that endured quietly for decades. Local signs, including footprints and scat, suggest more than three animals exist. Genetic studies now underway should reveal their origins.

The rediscovery mirrors efforts in Guapiaçu Ecological Reserve, 100 kilometres north. Since 2017, conservationists have reintroduced seven tapirs into REGUA. That population has now grown naturally to 20, including seven calves. Experts say both natural return and planned reintroduction are crucial. One demonstrates resilience, while the other proves structured conservation works.

What obstacles still lie ahead for long-term existence?
Brazil's Atlantic Forest is severely fragmented by farming and development. Tapirs require large home ranges, so are vulnerable to habitat loss. Without corridor connections, inbreeding and poaching are still major issues. Authorities are now expanding protected zones and building ecological corridors. These green links will allow animals to travel, mate, and thrive more freely.

At Cunhambebe, education projects are also underway. Local communities are being enlisted through workshops to encourage pride. Conservationists are hoping the tapir will be a symbol of biodiversity. Conservation of it could also help preserve the rest of the ecosystem for generations to come.