Abstract
Tapirs are considered generalist herbivores and the differences in the proportions of dietary items are often attributed to differences in the habitats where individuals live. This study characterized the feeding habit of Tapirus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) in a nature reserve in south-eastern Brazil, located in a region considered a transition zone between the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) and the Atlantic Forest biomes. Fecal samples from T. terrestris individuals were collected monthly at six sampling areas that encompassed a total of 242.22 ha. There were 147 fresh samples found (77 during the dry season and 70 during the wet season). The diet of the tapirs in this reserve was characterized by the prevalent browsing on leaves and stems. There was a low frequency of fruit seeds in the diet of the tapirs during both the wet and dry seasons. However, in the dry season a higher percentage of samples containing seeds was observed. Fruits of Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, and Annonaceae were most consumed during the dry season. Most of the fruit seeds found presented small mean diameter (3.7-8.4 mm) and most of the fruits were capsules and dry fruits. The characteristics of the fruits consumed by the tapirs indicate that they forage in the lower forest stratum and upon species from Cerrado. Additionally, Psidium myrtoides O. Berg. clusters found in the study site suggest that the tapirs may be acting as dispersal agents of this species.
Highlights
Fruits of Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, and Annonaceae were most consumed during the dry season
Differences found in the diet of different populations are usually attributed to characteristics of the habitats where they live (HENRY et al 2000)
Local variation in the diet can be found as a result of the selective use of some plant species, which are more frequent in the diet of the individuals than would be expected according to their relative abundances in the habitat
Summary
Reserve (20°05’S, 43°29’W), state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The reserve has an area of 10,187 ha and is located in the slopes of a mountainous chain known as Serra do Espinhaço. Of the total of the fresh samples analyzed, 77 were found during the dry season and 70 during the wet season; 105 (71.5%). The seeds most frequently found in the fresh samples belonged to the family Rubiaceae Berg.), Solanaceae (one unidentified species), and Annonaceae Seasonality of consumption was pronounced for the families Rubiaceae (2 = 4.6, df = 1, p < 0.05), Annonaceae ed ae ae Miscellaneous ae
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