The Tapir, Central America´s largest terrestrial mammal, is not the kind of mammal you would think could easily escape your eye. But this elusive creature has been avoiding our guests and guides for a long time in our 1000 acre private reserve.
We are seeing its footprint on a daily basis (usually two different sets, one oftentimes smaller than the other). Guests marvel at the huge three digit footprints and are amazed to learn that the animal that made it has to be considerably close considering how fresh the footprints are in the mud.
This week our maintenance crew had to check our natural spring where we get our water. The next morning there were fresh footprints where we knew they weren't there before.... they looked so fresh that we all thought it must be just a little ahead in the creek!
We all walked super slowly and quietly, trying to catch site of this 600 pound elusive animal. We saw a big depression on the mud where it had laid and were almost certain we were about to finally see the tapir. All of a sudden we heard a loud noise and felt the earth begin to vibrate. No doubt it was a tapir (as there is no other animal in the rain-forest than can actually make the earth vibrate).
As it ran up the stream amongst the dense vegetation, however, it disappeared once again before anyone could get a glimpse of it. We are staying optimistic, however, in the hopes that we will eventually see this magnificent and rare creature.
Ecotourism and Nature 
