Integrating Current Range-Wide Occurrence Data With Species Distribution Models To Map The Potential Distribution Of Baird’S Tapir

Abstract

Identifying species distributions is fundamental to understanding their ecology and guiding conservation and management strategies. We compiled 756 unique range-wide Baird’s tapir (<em>Tapirus bairdii</em>) detections via camera trapping of track/sign surveys in eight countries. We then estimated the distribution of suitable tapir habitat within a Maxent-modeling framework. Though there are some clear areas of over- and under- predicted habitat, the resultant models allowed us to significantly update the potential distribution map of Baird’s tapir. We estimate that 39.4% of the available area is suitable for tapirs, but only 27.2% of that habitat occurs in protected areas. We discuss the areas that comprise suitable tapir habitat, and identify global and local threats in each country.