Let’s Save the Animals!

Once covered 14% of the earth's land surface, rainforests now cover nearly 6% and experts estimate that the last remaining rainforests could be consumed in less than 40 years. One and one-half acres of rainforest are lost every second with tragic consequences for both humans and animals. Nearly half of the world's species of plants, animals and microorganisms will be destroyed or severely threatened over the next quarter century due to rainforest deforestation.
Wild animals such as tapirs are listed as endangered mainly due to loss of habitat and hunting. Population declines are estimated to be greater than 50% in the past 3 generations and suspected to be greater than 50% decline in the next 3 generations. Tapirs have a low reproductive rate, after a 13 month gestation period, the single offspring will usually spend up to two years with its mother; this is a serious factor contributing to population decline.
Conservation actions have been taken! A large number of tapirs are being kept in protected areas throughout its range. Six large Biosphere Reserves in Campeche, Chiapas and Quintana Roo hold the majority of tapirs. In Guatemala, the Maya Biosphere Reserve holds several hundred more, as should each of the other small parks in Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Republic of Panama.