Tapirus Indicus Research Articles

Serum 25(OH)D Analysis in Captive Pachyderms (Loxodonta africana, Elephas maximus, Diceros bicornis, Rhinoceros unicornis, Tapirus indicus) in Europe.

This study aimed to detect seasonal and species differences in serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations during summer and winter months in captive pachyderms in Europe. Both elephant species had low 25(OH)D while African elephants did not show a seasonal variation. Asian elephants had significantly higher 25(OH)D compared to their African counterparts but also did not show a seasonal difference. Both rhinoceros species investigated had higher 25(OH)D compared to both elephant species; the Indian rhinoceros had high circulating levels year-round, while the black rhinoceroses showed significantly lower 25(OH)D in winter. Malayan tapirs have very low 25(OH)D, comparable to horses. The higher 25(OH)D of elephants and rhinoceroses could indicate that elephants and rhinoceroses are capable of producing vitamin D. This might indicate that the Indian rhinoceroses are capable of producing enough endogenous vitamin D year-round at latitudes around 52° N, while both elephant species and the black rhinoceros are not. This study also showed that it is likely that both elephant species and rhinoceros species are capable of absorbing cholecalciferol from the digestive tract, according to the existing literature, while tapirs may not.

DNA Barcoding using Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) Reveals Wildlife Consumption of Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) and Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus) by the Senoi (Semoq Beri) Tribe in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract Malaysia, a culturally diverse nation, encompasses various ethnicities, including the Orang Asli, the region’s aboriginal people. Among the Orang Asli tribes in Peninsular Malaysia, the Senoi constitute the largest demographic, followed by the Proto-Malay and Negrito groups, each comprising six distinct subtribes. Traditional methods, such as surveys and interviews, have been instrumental in understanding wildlife consumption practices among indigenous communities like the Senoi. However, they may not always provide accurate and comprehensive data. The adoption of molecular techniques, such as DNA barcoding, presents a promising avenue for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of wildlife consumption studies. This study investigates wildlife consumption practices among the Senoi tribe, particularly the Semoq Beri subgroup in Maran, Pahang, using DNA barcoding that focuses on the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) gene. Following the collection of biological samples with consent from Semoq Beri villagers, DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed using established protocols. Subsequently, phylogenetic analysis was conducted to identify wildlife species consumed by the tribe. From the DNA barcoding analysis, two wildlife species were successfully detected: including the Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) and the dusky leaf monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus), commonly consumed by the Semoq Beri tribe. Despite their status conservation, the findings suggest that the Semoq Beri tribe’s hunting practices are relatively sustainable, as they hunt only for subsistence purposes and in small quantities. The study emphasizes the significance of incorporating molecular techniques alongside conventional methods to accurately assess wildlife consumption patterns among indigenous communities. The findings highlight the necessity of collaborative approaches involving indigenous peoples, government agencies, and conservation organizations to preserve traditional knowledge, safeguard wildlife resources, and promote the sustainable coexistence of indigenous communities and biodiversity.

The effect of habitat fragmentation on Malay tapir abundances in Thailand’s protected areas

Habitat loss and fragmentation in tropical regions are major threats to the persistence of endangered Malay tapir (Tapirus indicus). The Malay tapir distribution is largely constrained to fragmented habitats inside protected areas. However, it is unclear how the spatial patterns of habitat fragmentation affect its relative abundance. Here, we investigated the effects of habitat fragmentation on Malay tapir relative abundance in Thailand. We first quantified the spatial patterns of habitat fragmentation within nine of Thailand’s protected areas. Second, we assessed the relationship of fragmentation metrics and relative abundance of Malay tapirs. Third, we identified the relative importance of the fragmentation metrics in explaining relative abundance. We found that tapir abundance remained unexpectedly high in the Southern forest complex despite the fact that tapir habitats were significantly more fragmented there than in the protected area in the western forest complex (p < 0.05). Additionally, we found a significantly negative relation with clumpiness index (R2 = 0.51, p < 0.05). This suggests that other factors may also be influencing their populations, so that the Southern protected areas provide preferred habitat with higher relative proportions of moist evergreen forest, large habitat patch size, precipitation, and elevation. It highlights the importance of interconnected habitat for tapirs, and the benefit of conservation efforts in small, less recognized protected areas.

Comparing landscape characteristics to understand Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) conflicts: A case study in Negeri Sembilan

The IUCN Red List has listed the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) as an endangered species in 2016, owing to its declining population trend. Human-caused forest degradation and encroachment on wildlife habitats drive this species to roam out of its natural range, resulting in human-tapir conflict (HTC). This study executes kernel density analysis on 78 HTC points recorded in Negeri Sembilan from 2013 to 2018 to determine the high and low HTC zones, and investigates the influence of five landscape variables on the occurrence of HTC. Values of five landscape variables in high and low HTC zones were extracted, and the significance of occurrence between these two zones was tested using an independent sample t-test. In terms of spatial distribution, Kuala Pilah and Jelebu covered high-conflict zones, while the lowest conflict zone was in Rembau. The t-test indicated that elevation (t = –3.551, p &lt; 0.05) and slope (t = –2.012, p &lt; 0.05) were significant between high and low conflict zones. Distance to the forest (t = 1.424, p &gt; 0.05), distance to water (t = –0.106, p &gt; 0.05), and distance to urban areas (t = –1.536, p &gt; 0.05) were not significant for HTC. HTC tends to occur in low topographic areas, while tapirs outside of their natural habitat forage in close proximity to the forest and water bodies, but restrict their movement near human settlements. Hot Spot Analysis (Getis-Ord Gi*) on forest patches revealed an overlaping region between high HTC zones and low forest-patch contiguity, indicating that forest fragmentation may promote tapir conflicts. Hence, by systematically recording the conflict distribution in Negeri Sembilan, many actions could be taken into consideration to mitigate HTC in this state.

Using Circuit Theory, Connectivity Analysis and Least-Cost Path to Model the Potential Ecological Corridors of Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) at Chini-Bera Forest Complex in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Using Circuit Theory, Connectivity Analysis and Least-Cost Path to Model the Potential Ecological Corridors of Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) at Chini-Bera Forest Complex in Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Local community characteristics and potential conflicts around Asian tapir habitat in Batang Gadis National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Local community characteristics and potential conflicts around Asian tapir habitat in Batang Gadis National Park, Sumatra, Indonesia

Preliminary study on the occurrence of intestinal parasites in Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in Zoo Negara, Malaysia

A preliminary study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of intestinal parasites in the faeces of captive Malayan tapir in Zoo Negara, Malaysia. A total of 12 fresh faecal samples were collected from three different individuals and screened for eggs and larvae using the sedimentation technique. The results shows that Strongylus sp. infection was the highest with 43 %, followed by Strongyloides sp. and Fasciola sp. with 17 % each, Balantidium sp. 11 %, Ascaris sp. 9 % and unidentified 3 %. Fasciola sp. and Ascaris sp. were found in samples obtained from one individual kept in a cage while Balantidium sp. was found in the free-roaming individuals. Previous information on parasitic diseases in tapir was largely derived from those found in the wild. This study highlights the first record on parasitic infection in captive tapir in Malaysia. In addition, due to pathogenic importance of the parasites to both animals and humans, the population should be closely monitored. Considering the endangered status of the Malayan tapir, further studies are needed to highlight this issue.

Looking back over the shoulder: New insights on the unique scapular anatomy of the tapir (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae).

The musculoskeletal anatomy of the shoulder of many ungulates has been inferred from veterinary model taxa, with uniformity in muscle arrangements and attachment sites often assumed. In this study, I investigated the muscular and osteological anatomy of tapirs and their relatives (Perissodactyla: Tapiroidea), using a combination of gross dissection and digital imaging (photography and laser surface scanning). Dissections of three modern tapir species revealed that the m. infraspinatus originates from both supraspinous and infraspinous fossae for all species, lying on both sides of the distal scapular spine. The epimysial border between the m. supraspinatus and m. infraspinatus origin sites are marked in all species by an ossified ridge, sometimes extending the length of the scapular spine. This "supraspinous ridge" is clearly visible on the scapular surface of both modern and extinct Tapirus scapulae; however, the ridge does not appear present in any non-Tapirus tapiroids examined (e.g., Helaletes, Nexuotapirus), nor in other perissodactyls or artiodactyls. Moreover, the ridge exhibits a clearly distinct morphology in Tapirus indicus compared to all other Tapirus species examined. Combined, these findings indicate that the presence and position of the "supraspinous ridge" may represent a robust phylogenetic character for reconstructing relationships within tapiroids. Unfortunately, any functional locomotor outcomes or benefits of the m. infraspinatus straddling the scapular spine remains elusive. This study represents a firm reminder for anatomists, veterinarians, and paleontologists to (where possible) look beyond veterinary model systems when inferring musculoskeletal form or function in non-model organisms.

Pleistocene Lang Trang fauna in North Vietnam: taxonomic composition and habitats

New data on the taxonomic composition and ecological characteristics of Late Pleistocene vertebrates and invertebrates from the Lang Trang cave in northern Vietnam are presented. Based on the materials collected in progress of the work of the Joint Vietnam - Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Center in 2020-2022, various representatives of the Stegodon-Ailuropoda Fauna of the second half of the Middle - early Late Pleistocene of Southeast Asia were identified, including primates Gigantopithecus blacki, Pongo sp., Trachypithecus sp., Presbytis sp., Macaca nemestrina, M. cf. fascicularis, M. cf. mulatta, and Macaca sp., carnivorans Panthera tigris, Neofelis nebulosa, and Arctonyx collaris rostratus, a lipotyphlan Chodsigoa hoffmanni, a bat Ia io, rodents Hystrix kiangsenensis, Leopoldamys neilli, and Rattus rattus, proboscideans Stegodon sp. and Elephas maximus, perissodactyls Tapirus indicus, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, Rhinoceros sondaicus, and Rh. unicornis, artiodactyls Sus scrofa, S. barbatus, Tragulus kanchil, Hydropotes inermis, Muntiacus muntjak, Axis porcinus, Rusa unicolor, Capricornis sumatraensis, Bubalus arnee, and Bos sp., a crocodile Crocodylus sp., a turtle Cuora sp. and an abundant gastropod association, presented by six terrestrial forms, two freshwater species and a coastal-marine species Ellobium aurismidae. Gigantopithecus blacki, Macaca cf. fascicularis, M. cf. mulatta, Neofelis nebulosa, Chodsigoa hoffmanni, Ia io, Leopoldamys neilli, Rattus rattus, Rhinoceros unicornis, Sus barbatus, Tragulus kanchil, Hydropotes inermis, Axis porcinus, crocodiles, turtles, and most of gastropod species were identified for the first time in the Lang Trang Fauna based on these studies. Of particular interest is the finding of the giant ape G. blacki, one of the latest in the fossil record. The habitats of the fauna are characterized as mosaic biotopes with a predominance of wet stations and the participation of mangrove swamps and coastal lowlands; these conditions could have existed in the area of the cave during a major marine transgression of the early Late Pleistocene.

Conservation planning in national parks may benefit from site occupancy and detection estimates of native animal species

Protected areas are the best strategy to conserve native biodiversity around the world. In Southeast Asia, most of the pristine tropical forest habitats are limited to terrestrial protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves. Endau Rompin National Park (ERNP) is one of undisturbed biodiversity-hotspots in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia but surrounded by industrial oil palm plantations and threatened by habitat fragmentation. To date, little is known about the distribution and habitat requirement of wildlife, including those conservation priority species in the ERNP. This study aims to investigate the mammal distribution in the ERNP by estimating the probability of occurrence of a species among sampled sites. At 24 camera-trapping sites, we used passive infrared camera traps to detect the forest wildlife. We estimated wildlife occupancy by using single-season occupancy analysis while considering of imperfect detection and relating it to stand- and landscape-level variables. We detected 26 species of native wild animals in the study area including several conservation priority species such as Asian elephant, Asian tapir, and Malayan tiger. The site occupancy of conservation-priority species attests to ERNP's status as an important regional biodiversity hotspot. The detection probabilities of wildlife species were highly sensitive to specific ecological variables at stand- and landscape-level. Our data indicated that tree canopy cover, forest edges, adjacent human settlements, and riparian habitats (e.g., stream and river) are crucial for the persistence of the native wildlife species. Our results suggest that pristine forest habitat such as those typical to the ERNP are critical for wildlife conservation. We suggest that the stand- and landscape-level ecological variables are considered in the conservation planning to protect the forest biodiversity and ecological integrity of the national park and other terrestrial protected areas in the tropics.

Cowpox in zoo and wild animals in the United Kingdom

Cowpox virus is considered to be a re-emerging zoonotic pathogen and a public health threat due to increasing numbers of cases in humans and animals in Europe over the past decade, including within the United Kingdom (UK). We present epidemiological data and diagnostic features of 27 recent, naturally occurring cowpox cases in zoo and wild animals across the UK, including the first reports of cowpox in two snow leopards (Panthera uncia), a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), three Chilean pudus (Pudu puda), a Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) and a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), and the first reports of Orthopoxvirus infection in a lar gibbon (Hylobates lar), a Southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) and an aardvark (Orycteropus afer). This study provides a detailed overview of cowpox infections in a wide range of non-domestic animal species, presents a range of methods for diagnosis and demonstrates the value of retrospective analysis of pathology surveillance in revealing epidemiological links.

Perilaku Maternal Dan Kesejahteraan Tapir Asia (Tapirus Indicus) Di Taman Margasatwa Ragunan

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The asian tapir (&lt;em&gt;Tapirus indicus&lt;/em&gt;) population continues to decline so the IUCN establishes its conservation status as endangered. One of the conservation efforts that can be done is ex-situ in the zoo. The environmental condition of the zoo is different from their natural habitat which results in asian tapirs having to adapt. One form of adaptation is behavior change that can be experienced by female asian tapir. Behavioral changes such as not wanting to breastfeed can threaten the survival of their offspring. This study aims to identify the maternal behavior of asian tapirs through daytime activities, determine the response of its calf, and determine the welfare of asian tapir in Taman Margasatwa Ragunan (TMR). Observations were made on one female asian tapir and one asian tapir calf. The observation was done from 9.00 to 14.00 during August 2022 and uses the focal animal sampling method. The results show that the mother does more self care than maternal care. Maternal behavior that is carried out are nurse and social. The calf responds by sniffing its mother’s stomach to suckle and approach its mother’s body. The five animal welfare points are fulfilled in asian tapir at TMR.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; – &lt;em&gt;Asian tapir, Daily behavior, Maternal care, Tapirus indicus &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Mineral contents of salt-lick water and mammal visitation to salt-lick in tropical rainforests of Peninsula Malaysia

Salt-licks are considered to be important places for conservation of animals; however, functions of salt-licks were still not well studied especially in Peninsular Malaysia. In order to examine the possible mineral-supplementing function of salt-licks of this area, we compared mineral concentration between the water from salt-licks mainly visited by herbivorous mammals to drink water and nearby streams, possible water sources for mammals at the area. We also analyzed the relationship between mineral concentration and salt-lick visit by mammals. Among analyzed minerals, only the concentrations of sodium and calcium were significantly higher in water from all studied salt-licks than those of nearby streams in both dry and rainy seasons, indicating that mammals could supplement these minerals by drinking salt-lick water. Herbivores most frequently visited the salt-lick with the sodium concentration significantly higher than other salt-licks. In contrast, omnivores and carnivores did not show such tendency. Red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak) and sambar (Rusa unicolor), the first and second most-frequent visitors of salt-licks (41.7% and 20.8% of the visitation record by mammals, respectively), most frequently visited the salt-lick with highest sodium concentration. On the other hand, Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) and white-thighed langur (Presbytis siamensis), the third and fourth most-frequent visitors (15.1% and 5.4%, respectively), frequently visited the salt-lick with lower sodium concentration. The results are consistent with hypotheses that sodium supplementation is an important purpose of salt-lick visit by herbivores, and indicated that other factors which would vary by species, such as social interaction, also affect selection of salt-licks to visit by herbivores.

A Camera-Trap Survey of Mammals in Thung Yai Naresuan (East) Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Thailand.

The Thung Yai Naresuan (East) Wildlife Sanctuary (TYNE), in the core area of the Western Forest Complex of Thailand, harbors a diverse assemblage of wildlife, and the region has become globally significant for mammal conservation. From April 2010 to January 2012, 106 camera traps were set, and, in 1817 trap-nights, registered 1821 independent records of 32 mammal species. Of the 17 IUCN-listed (from Near Threatened to Critically Endangered) mammal species recorded, 5 species listed as endangered or critically endangered included the Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus), tiger (Panthera tigris), Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica). The northern red muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), large Indian civet (Viverra zibetha), Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyuran), and sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) were the most frequently recorded species (10-22 photos/100 trap-nights), representing 62% of all independent records, while the golden jackal (Canis aureus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata), and Sunda pangolin were the least photographed (<0.1/100 trap-nights). Species accumulation curves indicated that the number of camera trap locations needed to record 90% of taxa recorded varied from 26 sites for herbivores to 67 sites for all mammals. TYNE holds a rich community of mammals, but some differences in photo-rates from an adjacent sanctuary and comparisons with other research on local mammals suggest that some species are rare and some are missed because of the limitations of our technique. We also conclude that the management and conservation plan, which involves the exclusion of human activities from some protected areas and strict protection efforts in the sanctuaries, is still suitable for providing key habitats for endangered wildlife populations, and that augmented and regular survey efforts will help in this endeavor.

KARAKTERISTIK HABITAT TAPIR ASIA (Tapirus indicus) WILAYAH KERJA RESORT LAHAI SPTN II BELILAS TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT TIGA PULUH DAN SEKITARNYA DI PROVINSI RIAU

Tapir is a large endemic mammal on the Sumatra island, this animal is prioritized for conservation because it is categorized as an endangered species. The population is at risk of extinction &gt;20% over a 20 year period, when no conservation efforts are made in accordance with their habitat. Tapirs can live in swamp habitats, lowlands, mountains, hilly forests, secondary forests, shrubs and palm plantations. All of the most important types of habitat are the availability of food, water and shelter. A habitat that is suitable for the survival of the tapirs is needed, such as the availability of sufficient food and an environment that supports tapirs to breed. This research aims to find out the characteristics of Asian tapir habitat (Tapirus indicus) in several types of primary forest vegetation, secondary forests and shrubs in the working area of Resort Lahai SPTN II Belilas Bukit Tiga puluh National Park and surrounding areas in Riau Province. This research was conducted using purposive sampling method by determining the characteristics of tapir habitat. The characteristic of tapir habitats in TNBT and surrounding areas in the three vegetation are the closure of tree headers in the bush 0%, secondary forests 3.63%-54.21% and primary forests 4.37%-85.66%. Availability of feed plants in primary forests 3.03%-83.33%, secondary forests 39.13%-100.00%, shrubs 50.00%-100.00%. The characteristic of tapir habitats in primary forests, Secondary forests and shrubs include low land with topography ramps up to rather steep, distances with natural forests from primary forests are 633.54 m-1,155.00 m, secondary forests 1,253.32 m-1,791.76 m and shrubs 1,539.76 m-1,985.14 m. Distance by river from secondary forest 100.84 m-325.95 m, primary forest 126.58 m-290.99 m and shrub 111.33 m-356.04 m.

DNA integrity and viability of testicular cells from diverse wild species after slow freezing or vitrification.

Cryopreservation of testicular tissues offers new possibilities to protect endangered species, genetically valuable individuals or even the fertility potential of prepubertal individuals who have died unexpectedly. However, the use of this technique still remains a challenge. In this study, slow freezing and vitrification of testicular tissue was investigated to find out which cryopreservation method could better preserve the viability and DNA integrity of testicular germ cells in diverse wild species. Testes were obtained post-mortem from 18 artiodactyls (wild boar, roe deer, dwarf goat, mhor gazelle, European mouflon, African forest buffalo, Malayan tapir, dorcas gazelle, Iberian ibex, gnu, red river hog), 5 primates (colobus monkey, capuchin monkey, mandrill), 8 carnivores (gray wolf, Persian leopard, binturong, European mink, American black bear, suricata), and 2 rodents (Patagonian mara). The testicles belonged to adult individuals and were cut into small pieces and cryopreserved by needle immersed vitrification or uncontrolled slow freezing using a passive cooling device. After warming or thawing, testicular tissues were enzymatically digested and two germ cell types were differentiated based on their morphology: rounded cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and early spermatids) and elongated cells (elongated spermatids and spermatozoa). Cell viability was assessed by SYBR-14/propidium iodide while DNA fragmentation by TUNEL assay with fluorescence microscope. Our preliminary results revealed that our uncontrolled slow freezing method better preserved the viability and DNA integrity of elongated cells than vitrification. Such trend was observed in all species, being significant in artiodactyls, carnivores, and primates. Similarly, the viability and DNA integrity of rounded cells was also better maintained in primates by uncontrolled slow freezing, while in carnivores, vitrification by needle immersion showed better results in this type of cells. In artiodactyls and rodents both techniques preserved the viability of rounded cells in a similar manner, although the DNA integrity of these cells was greater after needle immersed vitrification in artiodactyls. In conclusion, the effectiveness of each cryopreservation method is affected by the phylogenetic diversity between species and cell type.

Low Diversity of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Genes in Endangered Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus).

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to multiple threats such as habitat loss and human disturbance that have led to its population decline. This decline increases the risk of inbreeding, which could result in the reduction of genome-wide genetic variation and negatively affect the gene responsible for immune response i.e., MHC gene. Class I and II MHC genes are responsible for encoding MHC molecules in the cells that recognise pathogenic peptides and present them to T-Cells on the cell surface for adaptive immune response. However, at present there is no study related to the MHC gene in Malayan tapir yet. This study characterises the MHC class I and II genes from seven individuals, investigates evidence of balancing selection and their relationships with homologous genes of other species. We identified at least one class I gene and four class II genes. Five sequences of alpha1 (α1) and four of alpha2 (α2) domains of class I alleles, two DRA, two DQA, three DRB and three DQB of class II alleles were isolated. α1 and α2 domains of class I and DRB domain of class II displayed evidence of selection with a higher rate of non-synonymous over synonymous substitutions. Within the DRB gene, 24 codons were found to be under selection where 10 are part of the codons forming the Antigen Binding Site. Genes sequences show species-specific monophyletic group formation except for class I and DRB genes with intersperse relationship in their phylogenetic trees which may indicate occurrence of trans-species polymorphism of allelic lineage. More studies using RNA samples are needed to identify the gene's level of expression.

Species Distribution Model for the Asian Tapir and Vegetation Characteristics of Batang Gadis National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Asian tapir is a primitive mammal whose habitat is heavily fragmented due to human activities. Studies on the Asian tapirs in Sumatra are very few, thereby basic information for developing tapir conservation programmes is limited. This study aimed to develop the species distribution model to map the potential distribution of tapirs in Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP), investigate the characteristic of tapir habitat, and identify tapir feed plants around BGNP. The model was developed using the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) approach, based on the existing information on tapir occurrence in BGNP and environmental variables. Vegetation characteristics in different land cover (primary forests, secondary forests, and open fields) were investigated using the strip transect method. This study found that zonal classification, temperature and precipitation have the greatest percentage contribution to the model. The model estimated that around 24.45% of BGNP areas are suitable for tapir habitat, and tapirs distribute near community gardens. Our results also showed that plant diversity at study sites was categorised as moderate-high. About 23 plant species dominated by the Moraceae family were identified as feed plants for tapirs. In developing tapir conservation programmes, BGNP management needs to consider tapir distribution that is closed to community gardens. We propose BGNP to enrich feed plants in open fields of the wilderness and traditional zones; reduce the canopy cover in the wilderness and utilisation zones to stimulate the growth of feed plants; facilitate local people to live harmoniously with tapirs; involve local communities in tapir conservation programmes; encourage local communities to plant non-palatable crops for tapirs; and provide a compensation scheme.

Population genetic structure of wild Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) in Peninsular Malaysia revealed by nine cross-species microsatellite markers

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is an endangered species endemic to Southeast Asia. Previous research have used maternally inherited, mitochondrial DNA genetic markers to investigate the population genetics of the species but not the biparentally inherited, nuclear genetic markers. However, the increasing pressure of habitat fragmentation and roadkill on the Malayan tapirs has called for an urgent need to assess the species’ genetic status. In this study, the genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and sex-biased dispersal patterns of the tapir population in Peninsular Malaysia were investigated using nine cross-species microsatellite markers, using sixty-seven tapir samples (39 wild, 11 captive-born, and 17 of unknown origin) provided by the wildlife department, zoo and conservation centre. Low genetic diversity of the wild population was found based on heterozygosity and allelic richness, and a cryptic pattern of population genetic structure was inferred. One (K = 3) to two (K = 4) genetic clusters in proximity to the south-western part of the major forest complexes seemed to be experiencing restricted gene flows compared to the other more widespread clusters or clines. Effective to census population size was estimated at 0.39–0.46. Sex-biased dispersal was not found in the current dataset. Even though these results may need cautious interpretation due to possible sampling bias, this study is the first study that investigated the genetic diversity distribution for the species using nuclear markers, and therefore will have conservation implications for the implementation of the Central Forest Spine Master Plan in Peninsular Malaysia to connect major forest complexes.

ATBC 2022 Student and Early Career Awards

The Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) recognizes the exceptional research of students and early career scientists through awards presented at Annual Meetings of the ATBC. The ATBC is pleased to announce the 2022 winners of these awards, which were presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of the ATBC in Cartagena, Colombia, “Conserving Tropical Biodiversity and Achieving Socio-Ecological Resilience in the Anthropocene: Opportunities and Challenges.” The Luis F. Bacardi Award for Advances in Tropical Conservation is awarded to the best conservation talk presented during the ATBC Annual Conference by an early-career scientist (i.e., a researcher who received their Ph.D. no more than 5 years before the meeting date). This award was established in 2005 with an endowment from the Lubee Bat Conservancy, an international non-profit organization based in Gainesville, Florida, USA. The Lubee Bat Conservancy was founded in 1989 by the late Luis F. Bacardi and is dedicated to protecting biological diversity through the conservation of fruit- and nectar-feeding bats. At the 2022 ATBC Annual Meeting, Katharine Thompson, a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Pennsylvania State University (USA) was awarded the Luis F. Bacardi Award for her presentation entitled “From lemurs to lobsters: Land to sea links in a coastal socio-ecological system in western Madagascar.” The Alwyn Gentry Presentation Awards were established to recognize outstanding oral and poster presentations given by students at the ATBC Annual Conference. Alwyn Gentry (1945–1993) was a prominent botanist who made exceptional contributions to the study of the diversity and conservation of tropical plants and to the training of students from the Americas. These awards are in remembrance and recognition of the contributions of this singular scientist, colleague, supportive mentor, and friend. At the 2022 ATBC Annual Meeting, Rodrigo Muñoz, Ph.D. candidate from Wageningen University and Research (The Netherlands), was awarded the Alwyn Gentry Award for the Best Oral Presentation for his presentation entitled “Climatic drivers of productivity in tropical secondary forests.” Lim Qi Luan, a Ph.D. candidate from the Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University (Japan) was awarded the Alwyn Gentry Award for the Best Poster for her presentation entitled “Historical effective population size of the endangered Malayan tapir: implications for conservation.” The New Phytologist Trust graciously funds an annual award to recognize achievement in Plant Biology by a student author presenting a poster at the ATBC Annual Meeting. At the 2022 Annual Meeting, the New Phytologist Poster Prize in Plant Biology was awarded to Siddarth Machado, a Ph.D. candidate from the School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences at University of Florida (USA), for his poster entitled “Resilience to drought in a humid tropical Dipterocarp forest, India.” The ATBC is honored by all who chose to present their work at the 2022 ATBC Annual Meeting and congratulates these recipients for their outstanding contributions to tropical biology and conservation. The ATBC is also honored to be able to award the Navjot Sodhi Conservation Research Award each year to a student or recent graduate from a developing country conducting research in tropical conservation biology. This award is in remembrance and recognition of the contributions of our dear colleague and friend Navjot Sodhi, who inspired many students and colleagues with his passion for research and the conservation of tropical biodiversity. Armando Das, Director of Proyecto Tapir Nicaragua and a Ph.D. candidate from Michigan State University (USA), was awarded the 2022 Navjot Sodhi Conservation Research Award for their project entitled “Establishing the baseline to protect and manage critically endangered mammals in one of the last strongholds for tropical biodiversity in southeast Nicaragua.” The ATBC promotes the professional development of students working in the areas of tropical biology and conservation by awarding seed grants to support graduate student research. The ATBC is pleased to announce the 2022 winners of the Seed Grants, who are the following: We thank the Grants and Awards Committee of the ATBC for volunteering their time to review Seed Grant and Navjot Sodhi Conservation Research Award applications. We also thank all who volunteered to evaluate oral and poster presentations during the ATBC 2022 Annual Meeting. The New Phytologist award was judged by the representatives from the journal.