tapir might be one of the largest land mammalian in South America clocking in at an telling 300 kilograms ( 661 pounds ) , but they have been noticeably wanting from a neighborhood in Brazil for over 100 years . Now , thanks to camera trap technology , the first image and video of these iconic animate being returning to the area have been captured .

As reported byg1 , it ’s been 110 years since the last confirmed sighting of a South American or lowland tapir ( Tapirus terrestris ) in the state of Rio de Janeiro . TheIUCNdescribes population as take in “ great variation in density ” and while it is concentrated to get an accurate picture of the overall population in South America because of their naturally shy and elusive nature , they are currently listed asVulnerable .

A combination of factors is thought to have been behind their declination , include deforestation , urbanization , and hunting . The animals also suffer from becoming roadkill after collisions .

However , recent years have seen attempt to re-introduce the lowland tapir to its native habitat – but its return to this particular region is likely spontaneous . The novel sightings come fromcamera trapsin Cunhambebe State Park ( PEC ) and show potentially four mortal , include a mother and calf , within the protected surface area . Footage of the tapir can be found on the park’sInstagramprofile .

For an fauna consider to be nonextant in the domain , this spontaneous return highlights the importance of protect backlog .

“ The self-generated restoration of the tapirs is a preindication that the forests of Rio de Janeiro are able of sustaining turgid mammals again , " Marcelo Cupello , a biologist with Rio de Janeiro ’s State Environmental Institute ( INEA - RJ ) , toldg1 . " This demonstrate functional ecological connectivity , as these animals are using lifelike forest corridor . In other parole , the local fauna still maintains a sure capacity for movement and dispersion . "

tapir are important appendage of the ecosystems , help to spread the seeds of many plant mintage throughout the rain forest they inhabit . Using their prehensile snouts , they remove plant material and deal seeds through their own national fertilization organization ( poop ) .   Often called the " forest gardener " , this ability can help the biodiversity of an arena improve , render benefits for other metal money in turn .