Investigating the Diet of Lowland Tapirs in French Guiana
Author Information
Author(s): Hibert Fabrice, Sabatier Daniel, Andrivot Judith, Scotti-Saintagne Caroline, Gonzalez Sophie, Prévost Marie-Françoise, Grenand Pierre, Chave Jérome, Caron Henri, Richard-Hansen Cécile
Primary Institution: Direction Etudes et Recherches Guyane, Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Kourou, French Guiana
Hypothesis
What is the diet diversity and foraging behavior of lowland tapirs in the Guianan shield?
Conclusion
The study identified 112 plant species consumed by lowland tapirs, revealing significant dietary diversity and the importance of combining traditional ecological knowledge with scientific methods.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified 92 new species, 51 new genera, and 13 new families of plants eaten by tapirs.
- Genetic barcoding was used for the first time to investigate the diet of a large tropical mammal.
- Traditional ecological knowledge provided valuable insights into the tapir's diet.
Takeaway
This study found that lowland tapirs eat a lot of different plants, and using both science and local knowledge helps us understand what they like to eat.
Methodology
The study combined classic methods of observing browsing signs and analyzing dung with genetic barcoding and traditional ecological knowledge.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in plant identification due to the focus on browsing signs along tapir tracks, which may not represent all available plant species.
Limitations
The study's sampling effort was limited, and the reliance on indirect methods may have led to an underestimation of the tapir's diet diversity.
Participant Demographics
The study involved local Wayãpi villagers who provided traditional ecological knowledge about tapir diets.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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