{"id":646120,"date":"2025-12-21T11:06:23","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T11:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/646120\/"},"modified":"2025-12-21T11:06:23","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T11:06:23","slug":"spain-celebrates-the-historic-birth-of-a-malayan-tapir-a-conservation-milestone-after-more-than-20-years-of-efforts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/646120\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain celebrates the historic birth of a Malayan tapir: a conservation milestone after more than 20 years of efforts"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spain has made history with the first birth of a Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus)<\/strong> in the country, an event that renews hope for one of the most threatened species<\/a> in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n

The event took place at the Bioparc Fuengirola<\/strong>, a Malaga zoo entirely dedicated to the conservation of tropical and jungle species from Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.<\/p>\n

A critically endangered species<\/p>\n

The Malayan tapir is a mammal in danger of extinction<\/strong>, with a wild population not exceeding 2,500 individuals<\/strong> worldwide. Its distribution is concentrated in the Malay Peninsula, some areas of Malaysia, and the island of Sumatra (Indonesia), although it has become extinct in much of its historical range.<\/p>\n

It belongs to the Tapiridae<\/strong> family, related to current horses and rhinoceroses. These are primitive herbivores that play a key role in jungle ecosystems<\/a> by dispersing seeds and maintaining vegetation balance.<\/p>\n

The birth after two decades of work<\/p>\n

The calf, which weighed around 10 kilos<\/strong>, is the result of the pairing of Rawa and Mekong<\/strong>, two specimens integrated into the Endangered Species Program of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The process was not easy: compatibility between the adults presented difficulties for years. The arrival of Mekong from Sweden in 2023 was decisive in achieving this historic step. After intensive monitoring and a 13-month<\/strong> gestation, the birth occurred under strict in-person surveillance and through cameras, with weekly checks and ultrasounds.<\/p>\n

\"MalayanA milestone in conservation after more than 20 years of efforts.<\/p>\n

International conservation and protection<\/p>\n

The survival of the Malayan tapir depends on the preservation of parks like the Bioparc and protected natural areas in its original habitat. The Malaysian government<\/strong> has made significant efforts to prevent the illegal trade of the animal and curb habitat loss.<\/p>\n

This birth marks a fundamental advance after years of research and planning<\/strong>, and reflects the commitment of park professionals alongside international experts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe had been trying for many years and finally it has been possible. We are thrilled, it\u2019s incredible,\u201d celebrated Javier Vicent<\/strong>, head of the Bioparc Fuengirola team.<\/p>\n

Well-being and monitoring of the calf<\/p>\n

The park has reinforced actions to ensure the newborn\u2019s well-being:<\/p>\n