Factores que afectan la abundancia del tapir andino en los Andes del Norte del Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract:The mountain tapir is one of the most threatened species of the Tapirus genus, with isolated populations due to habitat fragmentation, hunting, and restricted distribution in Andean ecosystems. We estimate the density and relative abundance of mountain tapirs by camera trapping in its two main habitats in the northern Andes of Ecuador, and we evaluate habitat and anthropogenic disturbance variables that potentially affect their relative abundance. Density was analyzed with data obtained from a camera trap through a Random Encounter Model (REM). The effect of variables related to the relative abundance of mountain tapirs was estimated with Multi-Model Inference (MMI). Mountain tapir density was 23.55 individuals/100 km2 in montane forest and 11.59 individuals/100 km2 in páramo. The variables with the greatest effect on the relative abundance of mountain tapirs were average monthly rainfall; meters above sea level; and distance to roads and paths. In terms of conservation, estimating these parameters allows us to determine temporal and spatial variations that could be significant to generate effective conservation strategies for mountain tapir.