TSG: Fourth International Tapir Symposium

Parque XCARET in Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Mexico, from April 26 to May 1st, 2008
The IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group (TSG) and Parque XCARET have the pleasure to announce the upcoming Fourth International Tapir Symposium, which will be held at Parque XCARET in Playa del Carmen, Cancún, Mexico, from April 26 to May 1st, 2008. REGISTER NOW.

The Fourth International Tapir Symposium will once again bring together a multi-faceted group of tapir experts, including field biologists, environmental educators, captivity specialists, academics, researchers, veterinarians, governmental authorities, politicians and other interested parties.

The first part of the conference will feature paper and poster presentations by tapir researchers and keynote speakers, and the second part will be devoted to workshops and round-tables addressing specific topics relevant to tapir conservation. All sessions will be conducted in English and simultaneously translated to Spanish.

Specific topics discussed during the symposium will be:

· tapir field research and conservation
· population management
· re-introductions and translocations
· husbandry and captive management
· environmental education and outreach
· training and capacity-building
· involvement of local communities
· marketing
· fundraising
· governmental regulations and permits
· veterinary issues
· human-tapir conflicts

· Exchange and discussion of current data on field and captive studies through the presentation of papers, posters and keynote speeches by current tapir conservationists

· Opportunity to foster our global network of tapir researchers and supporters

· Revision of TSG Strategic Planning 2006-2007 developed and prioritized during the Third Symposium in Argentina, and evaluation of what has been accomplished in the past two years

· Formulation of new TSG Strategic Planning for 2008-2010, a critical document that will allow for the conference recommendations to be carried out, helping to direct the activities and initiatives of the TSG

· Creation of committees made up of representative tapir conservationists who will develop and prioritize key research, conservation, management and financial issues affecting the plight of endangered tapir species worldwide

· Establishment of a Tapir Action Plan Implementation Task force to oversee and promote actions both created at this symposium and those contained in the newly finalized 2007 version of the IUCN/SSC Tapir Action Plan

Members of the symposium's planning committee - Patrícia Medici, Alberto Mendoza, and Alan Shoemaker - visited Cancún in July 2007. We had a series with meetings with XCARET’s General Manager - Eduardo Briones - and Director of Animal Collections - Efrain Rios Castillo – as well as with the owner of the facility, the architect Miguel Quintana Pali, who committed the resources of their entire staff to assist the TSG in organizing, promoting and conducting this conference.

XCARET is one of the finest zoological organizations in Latin America, the facilities are absolutely amazing, and the park will provide excellent infra-structure and local logistics for our conference. XCARET is located on the Caribbean, one of the most beautiful and touristic coastal regions in the world. It is also surrounded by significant Mayan historical sites. Access to the region is very easy via direct, and often non-stop flights to Cancún, a major tourist destination in Latin America. For further information about this amazing place, please make sure to visit their website at: www.xcaret.com

Symposium Planning Committee: