Ocorrência da anta, Tapirus terrestris (Mammalia, Perissodactyla, Tapiridae), em João Pinheiro, Cerrado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract

Occurrence of tapir, Tapirus terrestris (Mammalia, Perissodactyla, Tapiridae), in João Pinheiro, Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The tapir, Tapirus terrestris, is a species with great ecological importance and is currently Vulnerable on a global scale and in Brazil, and Endangered in the Cerrado and in Minas Gerais.We present new geographic records of tapir in the Cerrado, where there is a lack of species knowledge. We did field sampling with the active search (direct observations and traces) and camera trap methods. Tapirus terrestris was registered in 23 localities of 12 rural properties in the municipality of João Pinheiro, a Cerrado area in the Northwest of Minas Gerais with extensive natural remnants. The species has been found in several phytophysiognomies and landscapes, especially in aquatic environments, including in natural lagoons. The main species local threats are the Cerrado suppression and fragmentation and the absence of legally protected areas in Conservation Units. From bibliographical revision the T. terrestris distribution was mapped to 15 other locations in Minas Gerais, besides other unconfirmed records. The set of T. terrestris localities records in the Municipality of João Pinheiro represents the largest continuous area of species occurrence in Minas Gerais, which requires an urgent creation of Conservation Units in João Pinheiro aiming at the tapir protection.