Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BAIRD'S TAPIR PROJECT
Baird's tapir around Sirena station since 1994 in the hope of enhancing conservation ef-
forts. Scientists use radio collars to collect data about where the tapirs live, how far they
wander, whom they associate with and how often they reproduce. So far, several dozen
tapirs around Sirena have been wearing collars, allowing scientists to collect the data
without disrupting the animals.
Sirena station is an ideal place to do such research, because there is no pressure from
deforestation or hunting, which gives researchers the chance to observe a healthy, thriv-
ing population. The animals' longevity and slow rate of reproduction mean that many
years of observation are required before drawing conclusions.
So, what have we learned about these river rhinos so far? The nocturnal animals spend
their nights foraging - oddly, they prefer to forage in 'disturbed habitats' (such as along
the airstrip), not in the dense rainforest. They spend their days in the cool waters of the
swamp, out of the hot sun. Tapirs are not very social, but a male-female pair often shares
the same 'home range,' living together for years at a time. Scientists speculate that tapirs
may in fact be monogamous - who knew these ungainly creatures would be so romantic!
Activities
Wildlife-Watching
The best wildlife-watching in Corcovado is at Sirena, but the coastal trails have two ad-
vantages: they are more open, and the constant crashing of waves covers the sound of
noisy walkers. White-faced capuchin, red-tailed squirrel, collared peccary, white-nosed
coati and northern tamandua are regularly seen on both of the following trails.
The coastal trail from Carate to Sirena produces an endless pageant of birds. Sightings
of scarlet macaws are guaranteed, as the tropical almond trees lining the coast are a favor-
ite food. The sections along the beach shelter mangrove black hawk by the dozens and nu-
merous waterbird species.
The Los Patos-Sirena trail attracts lowland rainforest birds such as great curassow,
chestnut-mandibled toucan, fiery-billed aracari and rufous piha. Encounters with mixed
