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Scientists discover new tapir species
Tapirus terrestris

Thorough analysis shows tapir specimen to be unique from other known tapir species

A recent article published in the Journal of Mammology reports that a new species of tapir has been discovered in the Amazon rainforest in parts of Brazil and Columbia.

Tapirs have a small geographic distribution, limited to Southeast Asia, central and south America. Historically, they roamed over a wide geographic range, however this is believed to have been restricted by over-hunting and habitat destruction, and they are now considered endangered or vulnerable.

This is the first discovery of a tapir since 1865, and the first time in 100 years that a new species of the order Perissodactyla (tapirs, rhinos and horses) has been found.

Skull, tissue and DNA samples and measurements from the tapir, now classified Tapirus kabomani, were analysed to determine its uniqueness from other known species of tapir. Its darker hair, lower mane and broader forehead set it apart from Tapirus terrestris, the other tapir species found in its range.

T. kabomani is also the smallest living tapir, weighing just 240 pounds and standing at 3ft high at the shoulder, with genetic analysis showing distinct results.

This is the first time that Tapirus kabomani has been scientifically named, however local people have long known of their existence, relying on them for food and giving them a place in their cultural traditions.

The authors of the paper are concerned about the effect that widespread development in the Amazon will have on the future of the species. They write “It is thus urgent to determine the conservation status, geographic range, and environmental requirements of this species, to understand how it is affected by human activities”.

For the full text of this article in the Journal of Mammology, Vol. 94, No. 6, 2013, click here.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."