Savegre Tapir Project at Rafiki

The Saverge Tapir Project has made significant progress in the past few months. The first goal of the project was to attend the International Tapir Symposium in Brazil. The conference was held in Campo Grande, Brazil on the 17^th -22^nd  of November. The collaborators of the ASANA team were able to meet other people in tapir conservation and establish contacts in order to help the project progress. The Symposium hosted people from around the world including field researchers, zoologists, and academics. The response of the TSG (Tapir Specialist Group) was very positive. The philosophy of the Saverge Tapir Project at Rafiki is very much in line with the IUCN’s goal of implementing the “One Plan Approach” to the all captive endangered species. The role of ASANA’s project would allow scientific research to advance the understanding of what is necessary to help captive tapirs make the transition from captivity back into the wild.

Some of the key advancements include the introduction to individuals that will accurately be able to estimate costs for the project as well as give sound advice as to the size of the containment area, the amount of animal within the enclosure, and appropriate habitat and diet for the animals brought in.

The next step for the Savegre Tapir Project at Rafiki is to acquire sufficient funds to bring a specialist to the investigation site in order to come up with an estimate of the cost for the project. The project hopes to increase its funding efforts with more social marketing and the sale of t-shirts.

This coming year is promising for the project and we hope to show serious advancements. We want to show the world a new model which allows conservation to not only protects the land it has set out to preserve, but includes local populations to make sure that the future generations are as passionate about the environment as we are. 

Links:

• Rafiki Safari Lodge - Tapirs