Potential habitat of Danto (Tapires bairdii) on the Caribbean Coast North of Nicaragua

Abstract

This study has described the potential habitat of the Danto (Tapires bairdii), as well as the communal perception about the presence of the species in the Autonomous Region of the North Caribbean Coast (RACCN). This is a qualitative research where traps, cameras with motion sensors were used. The field data collected were entered into the Maxent program, which issued data regarding the potential habitat and its characteristics. The main results of the study have shown that the North Caribbean Coast presents abundant habitats with potential for Danto’s, which, preferentially, live in broadleaved forests of the humid tropic due to floristic diversity, abundant water bodies and appropriate climatic conditions for its development and reproduction. Likewise, areas with high favorable conditions for the species were identified, but also there are areas considered null by the lack of forest mass, the presence of high temperatures, water shortages and the vulnerability of being hunted by man. Finally, to mention that for communal perception, Danto is related to many processes of communal life, since it is an indicator of good climatic conditions and stability of flora and aquatic ecosystems and that hunting is a very dangerous factor for the preservation of the species.