Tapirs

The Tapir Specialist Group (TSG) is dedicated to the research and conservation of tapirs, a group of rare mammals often referred to as "living fossils" due to their ancient lineage. TSG encompasses over 140 members, including researchers, educators, and veterinarians, all committed to the vital task of studying and protecting the four species of tapirs that inhabit Central and South America and Southeast Asia: the Lowland Tapir, Baird’s Tapir, Mountain Tapir, and Malayan Tapir. These unique creatures play essential ecological roles, from seed dispersal to creating habitats for other species.

Unfortunately, tapir populations are in decline, with three of the four species classified as Endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and human encroachment. TSG works diligently to implement conservation action plans, provide educational resources, and support initiatives for their protection. Their mission is driven by the urgent need to ensure a sustainable future for tapirs and restore their critical habitats in increasingly fragmented ecosystems