Tapirus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia, Perissodactyla) em uma área de floresta subtropical no sul do Brasil: dieta, uso da área e densidade populacional

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of a data set concerning habitat use, diet, seed-dispersal role, and density of the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris L.) population from the Parque Florestal Estadual do Turvo in the subtropical forest of the upper Uruguay river basin, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The presence of tapir was determined by following fresh tracks, counting tracks and feaces found by walking along 910km cumulative transects of trail on roads, and near creeks. Syagrus romanzoffiana (Arecaceae) was the main fruit in the diet of T. terrestris, replaced by Holocalix balansae (Caesalpinaceae) and Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Myrtacea) when available. Viable seeds of this palm were found in dung piles, suggesting a possible dispersal role of tapirs. The usual deposition of pile of dungs in non flooded areas may favor the germination of seeds The water in permanent swamps, the availability of fruits and the presence of hunters seem to be the main reason for the differences regarding habitat use and density observed between the studied areas in the Park. The estimated density of Tapirus terrestris population is below the values observed for hunted areas in Amazonia. The seasonality of food resources may be partially related to the observed values for subtropical habitats.