The Asian Tapir in Kerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra: evidence collected through photo-trapping

Abstract

Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP) is the largest protected area in which Asian tapir Tapirus indicus occurs. Data collected during 3 years of biodiversity surveys indicated that KSNP is one of the most important remaining areas for Asian tapir. Evidence of tapirs was collected by photo-trapping, recording of tapir signs, and interviewing local people. Photo-trapping was carried out in four locations, each representing a different forest type. The results showed that the Asian tapir is widespread throughout the Park and found in a variety of habitats, from montane cloud forests to the degraded fragments of remaining lowland forest. Although formerly believed to be solitary, tapirs were often photo-trapped in pairs. Repeat ‘recapture’ of the same individuals suggests that these pairings may be of long duration. Evidence of distribution and threats throughout the Park and adjacent forests was collected to produce a greater understanding of how best to safeguard the future of this species in KSNP. Deliberate hunting of tapirs in KSNP was found to be rare, and habitat loss and fragmentation poses the most serious threat.