Unter Mitwirkung von Lydia Möcklinghoff und Johanna Schultz haben wir die Tapirdaten aus Unserer Studie „Dbon Tjang Pjak Yo“ auf das Vorkommen des stark bedrohten Bairds Tapirs und anthropogene Einflüsse auf seine Verbreitung im Siedlungsgebiet des Naso Volkes untersucht und bereiten eine wissenschaftliche Publikation vor. In Anbetracht der Tatsache, daß die Bestandszahlen des Bairds Tapir in seinem Verbreitungsgebietes stark rückläufig sind, hat die Tapirforschung absolute Priorität. Derzeit arbeitet die Studentin und Angehörige des Naso Volkes Stephanie an Ihrer Bachelorarbeit und versucht Tapirbestandszahlen über die Identifizierung von Inividuen zu generieren. Hier vorab das Abstract in Rohfassung:

Occurrence of Tapirus Bairdi in the settlement area of the indigenious tribe Naso along the River Teribe in Bocas del Toro, Panama  

„Parque Internacional La Amistad“, Cordillera Talamanca, Tapirus Bairdii  

Jörn Ziegler, Johanna Schultz, Lydia Möcklinghoff  

Abstract  

In a mammal species diversity camera-trap survey within the settlement area of the Naso indigenous tribe in Bocas del Toro, Panama over the course of one year 77 videos of the endangered Baird`s tapir (Tapirus Bairdii), resulting in a relative abundance index of 0,36 per 1000 trapping nights, were recorded. Part of the area along the river Teribe is within the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site „Parque Internacional La Amistad“ (*PILA) and has not yet been subject to scientific studies. The largest forest tract remaining in central America could serve as an important habitat for the survival of the species in the wild. The Nasos have lived in this area and protected its biodiversity. Generally indigenous territories are the last strongholds for the Tapirus Bardii species in Panama. Hydroelectric projects in that area have led to a higher degree of human influence and presence.  

Population numbers of tapirus bairdi have been cut in half over the past 30 years. Through deforestation, fragmentation, and hunting, the numbers of Tapirus Bardii have dropped to only about 3000 individuals and the species is currently marked as endangered (UNESCO). This article examines the tapir specific data from the survey in order to find out the possible influence of the Naso settlements on tapirs population distribution in order to better understand and protect the species. With one exception Tapirus Baiirdi was absent in areas within a 10 km aerial radius to the nearest village, which aligns with other studies, that show the avoidance of human settlement areas by Tapirs. Tapir documentation took place in 10,35 km to 15,67 km distance to the settlement. Elevation of tapir documentations ranged from 507 m to 962 m above sea level. Tapir activity patterns were analysed and showed highest activity between 5 pm and 5 am. This article attempts to give recommendations for further studies in cooperation with the local conservation initiative named ODESEN (Organización de Desarollo Sostenible y Eotúrismo Naso).