Michiel van Noppen Photography

The Baird’s tapir, recognized as nature's 'gardeners of the forest,' plays a critical role for an endemic tree known as the Jicaro Danto. Both the tapir and the Jicaro are endangered, and as fragmented forests push tapirs out of their natural habitats, scarred from territorial disputes and competition, tapirs face increased risks of infection form a flesh-eating parasite the screwworm. In the small village of Bijagua, a diverse team has come together on an inspiring mission to ensure the survival of this extraordinary symbiosis.

A majestic Jícaro Danto (Parmentiera valerii) tree stands tall in the Guanacaste Mountain Range, its trunk adorned with cauliflorous flowers and elongated, fibrous fruits. Endemic to this region and found nowhere else in the world, this remarkable tree relies exclusively on the Baird’s tapir for seed dispersal—a symbiotic relationship critical for the survival of both species. Little is known about this enigmatic tree, which defies seasonality and fruits according to its own unique cycle. Yet, habitat fragmentation and pressures from agriculture threaten this fragile connection.

Tapirs, due to their large size, have assumed the role of large seed dispersers once carried out by now-extinct megafauna. The ecological process unfolds as tapirs consume these fruits, and then, as they traverse kilometers, deposit the seeds within their dung, enriched with vital nutrients.

A view from the volcano Tenorio towards Miravalles. The Tenorio-Miravalles Biological Corridor in Costa Rica spans over 12,500 hectares, linking the Tenorio Volcano National Park with the Miravalles Protected Zone. This critical area is home to endangered species such as the Jicaro Danto tree, and the Baird's tapir, which rely on the corridor’s fragmented habitats to survive. Established to conserve biodiversity and protect water sources for over 20 surrounding communities, the corridor is supported by local initiatives focused on sustainable development. However, despite efforts, connectivity in the south of the corridor seems to be lacking, tapirs do not cross here.

In the Guanacaste Mountain range, a tapir feeds on the fallen fruit from the endangered Jicaro Danto. This image provides a rare glimpse into the intricate bond between the Baird's Tapir and the Jicaro Danto Tree, a symbiotic relationship that defines the ecological richness of the Costa Rican corridor: Tenorio-Miravalles

Under the canopy of the Guanacaste Mountain Range, Hazel, part of the dedicated team at CRWF, meticulously studies the fibrous fruits of the Jicaro Danto. As essential participant in the monitoring and reforesting program led by Donald Varela Soto together with the CRWF, their efforts unravel the secrets of this endangered symbiosis, ensuring the survival of the intricate relationship between tapirs and the unique Jicaro Danto tree

In the heart of the Tenorio-Miravalles Biological Corridor, farmers play a pivotal role in balancing conservation and agriculture. Yet, the growing proximity between wildlife and cattle poses serious challenges. With the resurgence of screwworm—a flesh-eating parasite that had been eradicated from Costa Rica for over 40 years—the risk of disease transmission is escalating. Illegal beef trafficking throughout Central America accelerates the spread of such diseases, making areas where tapirs and cattle share fragmented habitats particularly vulnerable.

Around Tenorio National Park, a tapir passes beneath a fence. Despite initial impressions of potential conflict, local farmers here demonstrate a tolerance towards these creatures. However, . Due to shrinking habitats, young tapirs are being pushed out by territorial females, forcing them to venture beyond the dense forests, crossing gardens, and even navigating cattle pastures in search of food.

Dr. Jorge Rojas and his assistant Jonathan Murillo Chaves, a local naturalist, work together to treat a Baird’s tapir suffering from a severe screwworm infestation. Jonathan, a lifelong resident of Bijagua, has become an integral part of tapir conservation efforts in the region, bridging scientific expertise with local knowledge. "Seeing these animals come back is great, you realize how crucial they are to the forest’s health," says Jonathan. "It's a privilege to help protect them."

As tapirs venture into fragmented habitats near cattle pastures, they face increased risks from diseases like screwworm—an issue exacerbated by illegal livestock trade.

In a collaborative effort led by local residents and Dr. Jorge Rojas, speed bumps have been installed along rural roads within the biological corridor. This community-driven initiative aims to reduce the risk of vehicle collisions with tapirs, which frequently cross roads in search of food and habitat connections. Mr. Sandoval is also helping, he knows the tapirs go through his garden and then cross the road. This Friday afternoon initiative of voluntary labour shows how the people in this community care about the wellbeing of animals and take action to prevent roadkills.

"Jicaro", crosses a road at night lured by guava trees on the other side of the road. In this area where dense forest gives way to rural homes and gardens, tapirs have adapted to fragmented habitats, highlighting their resilience in a human-shaped landscape. Yet, the risks of road crossings, and potential collisions, pose ongoing challenges. This scene underscores the delicate balance of coexistence — where local understanding and community efforts are crucial to safeguarding these endangered animals in shared spaces.

In Bijagua, the Sandoval family’s backyard offers a rare glimpse into a changing landscape where wildlife and human lives intersect. Neighboring this property is Marlon Calderon Brenes, a seasoned tour guide who recalls a starkly different past. "When I started working here 20 years ago, we never saw tapirs. For the first ten years, they were shy and elusive, confined to the higher parts of Tenorio National Park," Marlon shares. Today, the story is different. Due to shrinking habitats, young tapirs are being pushed out by territorial females, forcing them to venture beyond the dense forests, crossing gardens, and even navigating cattle pastures in search of food. The tapir visiting the Sandoval property bears bite scars from these struggles. Such open wounds increase the risk of screwworm infection, as the fly lays its larvae exclusively in open wounds. The community, alongside local conservationists, keeps a watchful eye, ensuring the animal doesn’t succumb to further complications.

Rough estimates suggest there are around 600 Jícaro Danto (Parmentiera valerii) trees left in the wild, though no one truly knows the exact number. To safeguard this endemic species and strengthen its role in the ecosystem, an ambitious propagation project has been initiated by local naturalist and private reserve owner Donald Varela Soto, in collaboration with the Franklinia Foundation. Workers Yoel and Gravin carefully prepare nine-month-old saplings to be transported to Finca Cata, an organic cacao farm dedicated to regenerating patches of forest with native species. By planting Jícaro Danto trees, the project aims to enhance the connectivity of the northern part of the Tenorio-Miravalles Biological Corridor.

Don Dennis served in the Nicaraguan military for 17 years, eventually rising to the rank of general. After deciding to leave the army, he went on "vacation" to Costa Rica—and never returned. He now lives in Costa Rica's biological corridor, where he plays a vital role in connecting forest fragments and fostering a positive attitude toward wildlife conservation within the local community.

Throughout the range of the tapir population, the landscape is marked by fragmented and dispersed protected areas and natural forests. Here the team from Nai Conservation, a diverse team of local conservationists and scientists has darted a tapir to fit it with a GPS-collar. This project is part of Nai Conservation and Dr. Jorge Rojas-Jimenez (University of Georgia), PhD studies named: “Social and ecological factors influencing human-tapir interactions in a fragmented landscape at the Tenorio-Miravalles Biological Corridor

Mamita, a GPS-collared tapir in Tapir Valley, guides Julian to the different Jicaro Danto trees, ensuring that the next generation of tapirs, keeps an endangered symbioses alive. Tapir Valley Nature Reserve serves as a living testament to the unwavering commitment of the local community in preserving the region's unique biodiversity. Covering over 100 hectares, this reserve adjoins the Volcano Tenorio National Park and is an indispensable component of preserving the ecological integrity of the region. Owned by Donald Varela Soto, a local naturalist, now transformed into the Tapir Valley Nature Reserve, it serves as a buffer zone safeguarding the region's natural habitats.