Australasian Tapir Population

That's disappointing. It would be difficult to establish a thriving regional population when they could be recalled at anytime (and presumably the EEP would make breeding recommendations for those that remained?)

It appears US imports are the way to go?

 

Correct its not a good way to run things when they have so many they stop all breeding in Europe but want to control who has and what can be bred in another part of the world

 

I assume it's to prevent them falling into private hands and being bred irresponsibly etc. but I feel ZAA accredited zoos should be trusted to receive reproductively viable animals to exchange with other ZAA zoos.

They have a surplus, so it's not like they can't spare them.

 

It appears they want total control regardless of where they go big brother over reach

 

So Brazilian tapir are to Europe as Giant panda are to China and Tasmania devil are to Australia!

 

Not all all, At least both Pandas and Tasmanian devils are natives to there countries and are icons,Brazilian tapirs have no connection what so ever with Europe being an Asian species.

 

Good point. I guess Europe decided they were a bit special.

Hopefully a good number of founders can be sourced via the US. A minimum 2.3 should allow us to breed up a good number and create a sustainable population for a couple of decades before further imports are needed.

 

I believe this is a very backwards way thinking, why would the EEP want total control over a non native species from the other side of the world when they have so many they can't house them and decide to halt their breeding of them, but still want to own any surplus exported and even the young of the exports?
But are will to send de-sexed and surplus animals they don't want.

 

The most illogical thing of all is it doesn't allow for a contingency. They're obviously confident they have sufficient numbers but a mass disease outbreak could wipe out a significant number at short notice. An isolated population in another region is commonsense imo.

 

What's stopping us from going directly to South America? Surely we can trade a Bettong or two. Brazil isn't as third-world as some would believe. A big import of say 12+ across 3+ zoos could set us up for ages. I heard they were even culling them in some areas of Brazil.

 

Unfortunately the IRA for this species doesn't include South American countries as approved for import, otherwise this would be a brilliant idea.

 

I agree and perhaps worth also looking at some Asian zoos but I guess it might depend on importation requirements from where they can be sourced?

 

I believe the Asian zoos focus more on the Malayan tapir but Singapore is on the approved import list. and would otherwise be a feasible option.

 

Approved countries for tapir import:

For reference, the approved countries for tapir import into Australia are New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, the United States, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and the UK.

 

Hopefully, Japan can be added to that list as I know they have a few Tapir.

 

It's possible as we have imported Indian rhinoceros from there before.

 

As mentioned by @WhistlingKite24 on the exotic mammals thread, and @Zoofan15 on the adelaide zoo thread, Mia the Malayan Tapir Died on 21 October 2021 at Adelaide zoo. i will also probably look at doing a 2022 population list with the two updates.

 

Rather sad news, but good to have confirmation of her death.

She lived a great life; living up to the age of 25.

Hopefully Jelita has adjusted well to living by herself; it's sad to hear she is suffering from bad arthritis, but hopefully she's doing okay.

 

It doesn’t sound like we’ll have Jelita for much longer and Semangka is a year older. For now, she seems to be in reasonably good health, but she won’t be around forever.

As strange at it sounds, I’m not too saddened by the fact this species will soon disappear from the region. They’re not well suited to the bright Australian sun, which causes them a range of eyesight problems and while they’re a striking animal, the Brazilian tapir is the obvious way to go.

In the meantime, we should all enjoy and make the most of this unique species while we still have them.

 

River Safari has Brazilian tapirs, they have had a calf at least 2 or 3 years ago. Night Safari has a successful Malayan tapir breeding program so possible imports in the future if Australia allows for it?