One of the most exciting and innovative eco-lodges that are always involved in the programs are really trying to make a difference in the lives of animals that live in the area and to create a favorable environment for the animals and people.
Rafiki Safari Lodge is doing just that. Rafiki is a family operation and Safari Lodge in Costa Rica Savegre Valley. The hotel is located on the central Pacific coast, is an essential part of the biological corridor for many species of Costa Rica. An endangered species in this area is always important, but difficult Tapir.
The Tapirus bairdii or tapir is one of the four species of tapir family, and that is in the Savegre Valley. The tapir is the largest mammals in Central America. Like other tapirs are found in America, Tapir Tapir place called. Tapirs look like pigs impressive master, but they really are more genetically related to rhinos and horses.
Tapir has a brown / white spots on the face and neck smooth dark gray fur. The skin is hard, and therefore valued by humans. Grip have a nose, like the trunk of a short and cut off all the families of elephants tail tapir. A complete development Tapir can weigh around 150 to 800 kilograms and reach a height of 3.5 meters high and 6.5 meters long. A vegetarian, tapir feeds on plants, leaves and even fruits. A lover of water, proximity to water beds, streams and rivers like the Savegre River Valley.
In the warm, tropical days, tapir spend most of the day under water, only with his head. Could even your nose while swimming snorkeling. An adult Baird Tapir usually lead a solitary life and dangerous to approach and attack humans often, when it is too tight. They have sharp teeth and jaws, and the strength of the muscles behind their massive bodies.
Tapir is a large mammal, apart from the few encounters Jaguar has no other natural enemies., The average lifespan of a tapir is approximately 25 or 30 years.
After the Tapir Specialist Group of the IUCN and "tapirs play an essential role in the development and conservation of biological diversity and the role of biological indicators for the need of forests in the region of the tropical ecosystem tapir is one of the most in their habitat., The first type affected by human disturbance due to their size and sensitivity to changes in their habitat area. local extinction or decline in population can lead side effects in the forest caused disruption of processes important environmental (eg robbery and seed dispersal, nutrient cycling) and potentially jeopardize the long-term integrity of the ecosystem and biodiversity. these factors in recent years in connection with the destruction of tapir habitat justifies the urgency of a survey on the state of the population and the development and implementation of management plans and conservation. "
The clearing of forests and the manhunt, have virtually paralyzed the tapir endangered. Laws banning the hunting are rarely enforced and that there is less than 6,000 tapirs released.
The question is, how can you help? Well, Rafiki has a way Ecotourist can now to preserve the habitat of the largest tapir, and educate locals and tourists about created Global Giving.
The Rafiki Tapir Savegre project on creating awareness lurk dedicated in the Savegre River Basin and Tapir Biological Corridor in Costa Rica form. Through private land management, education and scientific studies of the location, Asana and Rafiki hope the paradigm of how people see change local tapirs. We believe that when the advantage to enjoy tapirs in the area are more likely to support conservation efforts and help save the species from extinction.
What is the issue, problem, or challenge?
Savegre River Basin is overwhelmed by the perception of the local population, that nature is responsible for the decline in employment opportunities. Recent changes in forest law, in particular the ban on logging and deforestation have so many jobs in agriculture caused the foundation of the rural economy. Contact many illegal hunting to supplement their diet. Survival of mammals such as tapir is unlikely to occur under such conditions.
How will this project solve this problem?
Rafiki Safari Lodge is one of the few commercial establishments on the basis of conservation along the Savegre river. Today, the hotel offers the opportunity to employ nearly 20% of the nearest municipality. The extension of the model of the tapir tourism project is to stimulate close directly and immediately the economy through increased employment opportunities for the tapir enclosure. The project will also benefit the local economy through the "spill-over" increase in other business opportunities in tourism
Possible long-term effects
The Tapir Savegre Rafiki project is part of the international efforts to reintroduce tapir in the wild in their natural environment. Acquired scientific data Rafiki is invaluable to the future of tapir conservation in Costa Rica and around the world. The project is also a model for other landowners show a sustainable business model with natural resources, without the ecosystem intact.
Funding information:
Please do help save this important corridor Rafiki and styles, please go to:
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