The project has been active for over forty years, focusing on captive breeding of the species, raising them, and once they reach adulthood, facilitating the formation of new family groups in captivity with the goal of eventual reintroduction into the wild.
At the breeding center, efforts are made to maintain the excellent health of the individuals, including periodic monitoring and continuous observations to record data on their ethology and genotypic characteristics.
Fig. 1Tagua Project
No. 2 · 2019–GPS, camera traps
Tapir Project
Initiated in 2019, this project studies the species' behavior, movement patterns, and interactions with the environment, which is crucial for designing strategies to preserve the species, protect it from threats, and raise awareness about its role in the ecosystem.
The team uses chemical capture to collect biological samples, treat wounds and injuries, and fit GPS collars to track individual tapirs, and also observes them with camera traps.
All this data helps us understand this mysterious species' interactions with others, including humans, with the aim of generating crucial information for protecting its natural habitat. Additionally, the intention is to publish these findings for academic purposes and to develop conservation projects.
Fig. 2Tapir Project
No. 3 · 2021–Experimental plots
Cactaceae Project
Started in 2021, this project grew out of the Tagua Project's captive breeding work. Years of observing taguas in the wild and in captivity showed which foods they prefer, and those foods now supplement the diet of the family groups in captivity.
Among the tagua's preferred foods are several species of cacti endemic to the Chaco. So the Cactaceae Project grows experimental plots of the cactus species the taguas prefer, to supplement their diet from controlled and sustainable sources.
Fig. 3Cactaceae Project
No. 4Camera traps
Wildlife monitoring
Started through inter-institutional agreements, the first batch of camera traps was acquired and installed in the area around CCCI, with the crucial support of local landowners and producers who allow the installation of these cameras in their reserve areas for wildlife monitoring and description of their habits and movement patterns.
Paraguayan and international volunteers also give invaluable help processing the camera-trap data.
