THE AMAZON RAINFOREST is Tapir's Eden

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A group of scientists recently came together with park rangers and native communities to solve a difficult question: How many tapirs are there in the Greater Madidi-Tambopata Landscape of northwest Bolivia and southeastern Tambopata Peru? 

Tapir along the Tambopata river

But first thing first, what is the Madidi National Park

Nestled within the pristine heart of South America, Madidi National Park in Bolivia stands as a testament to the staggering biodiversity and ecological wonders of the Amazon basin. Spanning over 18,900 square kilometers, this protected gem is a true testament to the breathtaking natural beauty that characterizes the region. From the lush lowland rainforests to the towering Andean peaks, Madidi National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of life that thrives within its boundaries.

And what is the Tambopata National Reserve?

Tambopata National Reserve, within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, beckons with its awe-inspiring natural beauty and exceptional biodiversity. Encompassing over 1.3 million acres of pristine rainforests, meandering waterways, and vibrant ecosystems, this revered reserve is a sanctuary for both wildlife and those who seek to connect with the astonishing richness of nature. Tambopata National Reserve stands out as an exemplary testament to Peru’s unwavering commitment to preserving its ecological treasures.

More about the Tambopata National Reserve here

Most importantly just next to the Tambopata National is the Bawaja Sonene National Park

The Bahuaja-Sonene National Park emerges as an unparalleled haven of untouched beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. Encompassing an expansive territory of over 1.1 million hectares, this exceptional park stands as a testament to the astonishing natural wonders that thrive within the heart of the Amazon basin. With its verdant rainforests, meandering rivers, and a profusion of unique ecosystems, Bahuaja-Sonene National Park embodies Peru’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its ecological treasures.

Back on our tapir topic

These are the largest mammals in the Amazon, but their large size doesn’t mean they’re easy to find. In fact, they are notoriously really difficult to see, and most researchers and guides I know who work in the Amazon have only seen a handful. These odd-looking creatures look similar to a horse but are actually more closely related to the rhinoceros.

My only sighting wasn’t by my eyes, but by the camera trap, I set up, a video of which can be seen below. Researchers for this study used this same camera-trap technique, in which you put motion and infrared detecting cameras in areas of high mammal activity in order to monitor and detect populations.

While many mammal studies rely entirely on camera trap images, these researchers also included the one thing that could give them insight into how the populations have changed over time: humans.

They interviewed park rangers and native hunters to further gain insight into the animal behavior, the hangouts, and the numbers. The combined data suggested that tapir populations are increasing throughout most of this range due to ecotourism projects and government efforts that help protect the forest and minimize hunting.

The analysis suggested that there are between 15,000 and 35,000 tapirs in this range- possibly more tapirs than there are humans! To read the full study, check it out here.

How to plan your Amazon travel to see this and other Amazon wildlife

  • Go on a hike in the rainforest with a trained guide:  To spot one of these incredible animals you need an eagle eye or a rainforest specialist guide like ours.

NOW READ: How Many Tapirs Visited This Claylick In 24 Hours?

By Phil Torres

  • What our guest say

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The lodge is located in the middle of the forest accessible only by boat. The experience was very unique and exciting. Service is great, and the fun part are the nature activities and tours the hotel offers for free. We had an amazing tour guide that had a lot of knowledge and was fun to spend time with. The rooms are totally open to the forest which is really cool the struggle is the there is no privacy at all in between the rooms, also food was pretty basic. All together a very unique experience. Read all

This hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and hospitality, with the natural experience. The hotel is reached by a hours boat ride from Puerto Maldonado, expertly organized and accomplished. Most staff are members of the local Esa Ejja community. The food is good and plentiful. Hot water is always available and lovely bedding features mosquito nets. There is of course no air conditioning (one side wall is open in rach room) and the electricity is off for a few hours at night affecting overhead fans, so I was glad to have brought a small battery powered fan for sleeping. But the best of the experience is the wildlife. Our expert guide Oscar Mishaja introduced us to nearly 100 bird species, along with caimans, river otters, poison dart frogs and capybara. A trip of a lifetime. Read all

Excellent experience overall— really kind and welcoming staff at every point of the journey. All transfers were well organized and smooth. Excellent and educational excursions all around the rainforest. Delicious food for every meal. We had wonderful guides- Freet and Alvaro. Enjoyed our time here! Read all

Unbelievable.... Magical Everything I have dreamed of since I was 8 years old but MORE Read all

We had a surreal experience at Refugio Amazonas. From the well organized transportation to the warm welcome, hospitality and the experience of living in nature - we loved it all. Huge shout out to our guide Boris who went out of his way to ensure we had a good experience and got to watch all kinds of wild life. The meals and cocktails were delicious. And even though this place is smack in the middle of the jungle there was super fast WiFi available. We made unforgettable memories. Read all

We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. Read all

We had an amazing time in TRC. From the guide, tours, lounge staff, food and room, everything has exceeded our expectation and like an amazing dream came true. This is the only lounge available in Tambopata national park, and this eco lounge takes environment seriously. We highly recommend to directly book with the lounge website, so that you got a private guide for your group. Special thanks to our guide Saul, who made this experience extra special! We were so impressed by his knowledge about all the animals and the rainforest. If you are a natural lover, you can’t miss this place Read all

Excellent and luxurious place, wonderful experience and our guide Boris was first class, he had a unique patience with my 8 year old son. An experience in the tropical rainforest that marks the life of its visitors. In addition to the scientific research that takes place in the place: a whole research center. Rooms: Very comfortable and luxuriou Read all

El mejor hotel para visitar la Amazonia peruana. Hotel eco turístico metido en medio de la selva, equipado para visitar y vivir la selva, su flora y fauna, en todas sus facetas. Todo incluido, con guías preparados y amables, resultó una experiencia increíble para mi familia. Dentro de las opciones no se debe perder el Canopy de 45 metros de altura para observar y escuchar la selva, así como el lago de las tres Chimbadas, lugar único para ver caimanes, nutrias gigantes, monos y aves exóticas. Recomiendo mínimo dos noches!!! Read all

Wunderbare lodge mit freundlichen Menschen. sehr persönliche guides, tolle Tourangebote und super kulinarische Verpflegung ! Wir wurden herzlichst von Caesar empfangen und unser guide JuanJo hat uns phantastische Dinge gezeigt. Wir können die lodge nur wärmstens empfehlen! Read all

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