Diet of Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus in Atlantic Forest fragment in northeastern Brazil

Abstract

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758) is the largest mammalian herbivore in Brazil. Only small numbers remain in Atlantic Forest fragments in north-east Brazil. The population downfall of the lowland tapir is linked to hunting, and to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat. Changes in the environment may impact the diet of this potentially at-risk mammal. We focused on tapirs living in the Mata dos Pintos, a 3 000 ha forest fragment on the Usina Serra Grande land (state of Alagoas, Brazil). We determined diet by following the paths of tapirs to collect plant species they foraged on. Foraging occurrence was assessed by visual identification of markings (teeth marks on stems and leaves) and seeds identification in the feces. Fifty-five plant species were identified as consumed by tapirs of Mata dos Pintos including 42 browsed species. The mostcommon plant families consumed were Rubiaceae, Melastomataceae and Arecaceae, which are all specific to secondary forest types or forest edge. Seeds of 19 plant species were found in the feces of tapirs. Of these species, fifteen were found with intact seeds and six of these possessed large seeds (>1,5 cm). The size of the intact seeds found in tapir feces and the long gastrointestinal passage time of this species implies that tapirs may act as long-distance seed dispersers for large-seeded plant species, which may have few alternative dispersal mechanisms in highly fragmented forests.