Ethnoecology, Resource Use, Conservation And Development In A ...

Opinion was also divided about the ranging behaviour: four interviewees
considered that fixed home ranges were occupied, four that they were not. Use of
microhabitats was a less controversial topic, eleven interviewees mentioning the use
of one or both of thick secondary growth or small open spaces within the forest as
resting places. One interviewee suggested that usage of the two alternates
seasonally, the former being used during rainy season and the latter in the dry
season. Three interviewees specified that old farms are a preferred habitat for this
species. Two interviewees also mentioned sporadic use of the savannah, one
specifying that this occurs in the rainy season. Ten interviewees considered activity
patterns, all agreeing that they are mostly nocturnal, being active from late afternoon
to early morning. Two of these said that daylight activity may be more common when
rain is falling. Eight interviewees said that this species is normally solitary, though
three of these suggested that they may move in pairs during the time of breeding.
Two other interviewees considered pairs to be the norm, one saying that groups of
three - male, female and dependent offspring - could sometimes be found. Twelve
interviewees agreed that a single calf is born, though one of these said that older
females may give birth to twins. The timing of birth was controversial, two
interviewees agreeing on the timing (one of these said rainy season, another said
June) while two others said that births could take place at any time of year. Two
interviewees mentioned that the mother leaves the young calf hidden while she goes
off to feed.
Most interviewees agreed on the major predators. Twelve mentioned the puma,
whose Wapishana name koshara din means 'red brocket deer hunter', and eleven
jaguar. Camoudis were mentioned five times and harpy eagles (Harpia harpyja) twice.
Three interviewees talked about the strategy used by this species in trying to escape
from hunting dogs - running a long distance, doubling back, jumping into creeks and
running into the savannah.
6.3.4 Tapir, ‘bushcow’.
All thirteen interviewees agreed that the diet is composed of fruit and leaves, and
two specified young leaves. Seven identified particular species as of major dietary
importance, five of whom stated the fruits of zuupu (Spondias mombin) to be the
most important food. One of these added the fruit of kawarori (Anacardium
giganteum) and the leaves of tooru (Cecropia sp.), each of which food items was
additionally mentioned by one of the two remaining interviewees providing
information on this subject. Eight interviewees considered tapirs to be affected by a