Completed
Molecular Ecology of Tapirs
Focused on the conservation of tapirs in the Paranapiacaba Ecological Continuum. The research analyzed the genetic diversity of tapir populations, especially those with albinism, which is a sign of inbreeding and genetic loss.
Location
Location
Community
Many threats to tapir populations are present in the Paranapiacaba Ecological Continuum (PEC). Its Buffer Zone is characterized by several neighborhoods and rural communities, generally marked by low economic activity and limited access to public services, factors that increase direct and indirect pressures on the area and its natural resources.
The high incidence of albino tapirs in the region indicates a probable loss of genetic diversity due to the species’ population decline, while albinism also reduces life expectancy in wild habitats. Albino tapirs are usually the result of inbreeding, meaning populations are so reduced or isolated that reproduction occurs between related individuals. This reduces genetic diversity, negatively affecting the adaptability and survival of these animals.
Population decline in tapirs can trigger significant changes in the region’s ecological processes. Through the genetic data collected and analyzed in the project, ecological information for the species will be obtained, such as the degree of kinship among individuals in each area, including albino individuals. The data will support the development of action plans and management measures to reduce population decline or even prevent local extinction, as well as contribute to the National Action Plan for Ungulate Conservation.
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Species
Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
The tapir is a keystone species, playing an important role in the ecosystem by shaping the structure and function of the landscape and the environment in which it occurs.
Due to its long reproductive cycle, with a 13 to 14 month gestation period and only one (1) offspring per cycle, the species is highly vulnerable to human pressures and has low resilience. For this reason, it is currently classified as “vulnerable” to extinction in Brazil.
In the Atlantic Forest, the situation is even more concerning due to the intense habitat loss and fragmentation the biome has experienced over the years, compounded by the species’ need for large territories to survive. In addition, several other factors affect the survival of tapirs in the Atlantic Forest, even in protected areas, including hunting, proximity to domestic animals leading to attacks or disease transmission, roadkill, and conflicts with farmers.
Activities
Kinship Analysis of Albino Individuals
This activity identified, using genetic material previously collected from the study area, the kinship among the albino individuals, in order to determine whether they are genetically related and whether they exhibit a higher degree of relatedness compared to non-albino individuals.
Laboratory analyses were performed, including DNA extraction, microsatellite loci amplification, and genotyping.
Impact
36
samples amplified, genotyped, and analyzed for kinship
01
folder developed detailing the biological material collection procedure
Legado das Águas
The largest private Atlantic Forest reserve in Brazil, covering 31,000 hectares, recognized as an Atlantic Forest Biosphere Outpost, managed by Reservas Votorantim LTDA. and maintained by Votorantim S.A. It is a rare territory, in an advanced stage of conservation, serving as a natural shield for water resources, where scientific research related to the conservation of Atlantic Forest fauna and flora is conducted, alongside new economy activities such as native plant production and ecotourism.
Laboratório de Biodiversidade Molecular e Conservação - UFSCar
The LabBMC conducts studies in Evolutionary Biology, Population Genetics, and Genomics focused on Biodiversity and its Conservation. It is located in the Department of Genetics and Evolution (DGE) at UFSCar, São Carlos campus.
VBIO.eco
A bioeconomy platform that enables projects to add value to Brazilian biodiversity. It has a multidisciplinary team with more than 12 years of experience in project management and corporate communication. Its work has enabled the implementation of 23 biodiversity valorization projects and created a network of over 500 organizations and companies active in socio-environmental causes.