Hello, photographers!

When we think of the large animals of Brazil's fauna, the tapir may not be the first species that comes to mind. But this enormous mammal, unmistakable in appearance and generally discreet in behavior, plays a fundamental role in keeping our forests standing.

Known scientifically as Tapirus terrestris, the tapir is the largest terrestrial mammal in South America. It can exceed 200 kilograms and, despite its impressive size, is an animal of mostly solitary habits that often goes unnoticed in the forest.

A true gardener of the forest. The tapir is an excellent seed disperser.

As it feeds on fruits, leaves, shoots and other parts of plants, it travels long distances and drops its seeds in different places. Some of those seeds may germinate far from the parent plant, contributing to the regeneration and diversity of the forest. That is why the tapir is often called the “gardener of the forest”. And it is not just a pretty nickname: its activity directly shapes the dynamics of the areas where it lives.

An animal adapted to water

Despite being terrestrial, the tapir has a very special relationship with water. It is common to find it near rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands. It is an excellent swimmer and uses the water to cool off, escape threats and even to rest. Its long, flexible snout, somewhat like a small trunk, is one of its most striking features. This structure helps the tapir reach leaves, shoots and fruit, and it also plays an important role in exploring its surroundings.

In Brazil, the tapir has a wide distribution and can be found in different habitats, including the Amazon, the Cerrado, the Pantanal and the Atlantic Forest. Yet its presence does not mean it is easy to find. The tapir is a discreet animal, most active during periods of low light. Often, before we see the animal, we come across its tracks, droppings or characteristic trails. For those who photograph wildlife, these signs can be precious clues.

Photographing a tapir in the wild is a special experience. Its size might suggest that it would be easy to locate, but its discreet behavior makes the encounter quite unpredictable. Knowing its habits, watching for tracks and understanding the environment can make all the difference. And there is an important lesson here: wildlife photography is not just about equipment. It is about learning to read nature. The direction of the wind, the hours of activity, the signs left by the animals and even the behavior of birds can tell you that something is happening nearby. When the tapir finally appears among the vegetation, every second of observation can turn into a unique opportunity. Despite its ecological importance, the tapir faces numerous threats. The loss and fragmentation of habitat, hunting, roadkill on highways and other impacts caused by human activity can compromise its populations. Protecting the tapir also means protecting the environments it depends on — and, consequently, countless other species that share those ecosystems.

For anyone who has the chance to observe this animal in the wild, the encounter is hard to forget. The tapir reminds us that nature has its own rhythms. The animal does not always appear when we want it to, the light is not always perfect, and the photograph does not always happen. But perhaps that is exactly what makes every encounter so special. Because photographing a tapir is not just about recording a large mammal. It is about witnessing one of the great gardeners of our forests working silently for life. And you? Have you ever had the chance to photograph a tapir in the wild?

Happy shooting, and see you in the next issue!