Mortality Investigation of a Free-Ranging Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in a Fragmented Landscape in Northern Costa Rica

Abstract

In Costa Rica, human-tapir conflicts are increasing, including disease transmission, as Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii) move into human-altered landscapes. We investigated the death of a wild male tapir, identifying a systemic Actinomyces israelii infection. The potential of this pathogen being an emerging health threat for tapir conservation warrants further study.