Jardineras del Bosque

The endangered Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) with an estimate of 6000 individuals left, are of incredible value for the ecosystem. Thus, more recently an urge for preserving the species in Central America has risen. It is known that there is a positive relationship between the Baird’s tapirs occurrence and forest cover and negative relationships with roads and elevation. Which is not surprising, as deforestation and hunting are widely recognized as the two largest threats to the species. Which|illustrates the value of protecting continuous gradients of forest and other additional conservation efforts.

“Nai” in the indigenous Bribri language, “Danta” in Latin America and Tapir in the western world. ”

The Tapir is extremely important for growth and regenerating of forest. Also called gardeners of the forest, some seeds only germinate if they pass through the Tapir. Studies have shown that taking out large ungulates, especially Tapirs can significantly change the composition of the forest. As can be seen on the photo, the Tapir dung has been marked out to see what is growing out of it.

Biological corridors are an essential part of the protection of animals. To ensure connectivity between fragmented populations allowing genetic exchange for sustaining healthy populations. One of such conservation areas it the Biological Corridor Tenorio Miravalles (BCTM) which is located in the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area in Costa Rica, and has an area of 12,501.73 hectares and comprises part of the cantons of Upala, Bagaces y Cañas. The importance of the protected area becomes clear by the natural richness of the area.

Rio Celeste, Tenorio National Park Costa Rica

The BCTM is occupied by fincas and granjas (farms and pastures for cattle). Of course this occupation of land comes with (necessary) fences and boundaries, to keep the cattle in and sometimes wildlife out. Forcing wildlife in even smaller patches of forest and pathways in the biological corridor. Even though the largest part of BCTM is covered with forest (52%), the remaining area is covered with pastures (19,77%), agroforestry with little forest and agroforestry with lots or forest area (10,85% and 6,45% respectively), but still very little urban development (1.16%).

Tapir valley

Passing silently through the night, the classic footprint from the three big "fingers" of the Tapir can be seen the next morning if you get there before the rain though… This animal has been walking in a buffer zone near the Biological Corridor Tenorio Miravalles, on a privately owned nature reserve.

This private property, known as Tapir valley, serves an extremely important role. It serves as a buffer zone around the natural areas, supports eco-tourism, and has become a site where the Danta can be studied in its natural environment. More research about movement patterns and land use of the Danta, will help connect fragmented, but vital patches of forest.

Nai conservation

The future for conservation are kids of course, not to say that talking to adults doesn't make any sense, but education plays an enormous part in generating interest in the natural world. In Bijagua the communities organized the third Danta Festival (tapirs) with all kinds of activities, concerning raising awareness for the endangered Bairds Tapir.

Nai Conservation (https://naiconservation.org/ ) works with the communities and the national parks in the Biological Corridor Tenorio Miravalles, to enhance the productivity of the corridor and further existence of the "gardeners of the forest", the Tapirus Bairdii. More research in the future
will help connecting fragmented, but vital patches of forest.

Setting up a camera trap on the property of Casitas Tenorio (https://casitastenorio.com/), this bed and breakfast lays within the BCTM and commits to sustainible farm and eco-tourisme. Furthermore they run Tapir Valley which is a nature reserve near the Tenorio National Park in BCTM, where next to an amazing birdlife, the wetland is home to the endangered tapir. Setting up this trap was part of an inventory for wildlife on the property, involving the next generations as well of course.

in Upala, Nai Conservation is working with children in Escuala San Luis de Dos Rios. Creating a learning environment where through play, drawing and stories, children learn about themes such as: conservation, the importance of the water in the region and of course the endandered Baird's Tapir

Cerro Dantas

A tapir passes by a Refugio in Braulio Carrillo National Park.

On privately owned property by Don Warren. Don Warren bought this plot of land years ago to help create awareness about the importance of environmental protection. By doing so he created "Cerro Dantas", "Mountain of Tapirs". Which serves as pristine and beautiful Tapir habitat. Serving as a buffer zone between the national park Braulio Carillo and the city of San Jose. This little one had deep scratches on his back, probably attacked by a feline. Some argue that ungulates will spend time around human settlement, because large predators will not venture close, as they get chased away by dogs or humans. However, this theory is not yet scientifically proven, it still remains plausible.