Data collected through cameras and interviews has estimated almost fifteen thousand lowland tapirs living in protected regions of Bolivia and Peru.

This herbivore is unique in shape. It has a trunk-like snout, and is usually found in grasslands and tropical forests. It is presently the largest known terrestrial animal in South America.

This report has been published by The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). Conclusions were derived from twelve years of research. Robert Wallace, the lead author explained that The Maddi-Tambopata landscape can be estimated to have at least 14,500 lowland tapirs. This would make this area as one of the immensely populated areas of tapir conservation on the continent.

Report also carries information regarding poaching in these areas. Tapirs are vulnerable to the poachers because of the ease with which they can be traced. Their slow reproductive rate is also one of the reasons for tapirs to be at risk. This species is also vulnerable because of deforestation. It has thus increased the necessity to maintain national parks for species conservation.

WCS Latin America Director Julie Kunen has appreciated the manner in which government and indigenous partners have shown their commitment to Madidi-Tambopata Landscape. Report concluded with the fact that tapir population was more in protected areas than outside these areas.