One Health against the extinction of the mountain tapir ( <i>Tapirus pinchaque</i> ) in the Central Andes of Colombia

Abstract Colombia is the only country that supports populations of three tapir species. Among them, the mountain tapir ( Tapirus pinchaque ) is classified as Endangered (EN) due to the rapid transformation of its natural habitats. This threat is further exacerbated by climate change, which facilitates the upward migration of parasites, putting additional pressure on the species. Currently, the mountain tapir faces a critical threat from mortality caused by myiasis, presumably induced by cattle screwworm flies. To date, nine confirmed cases of fatal myiasis have been reported during the last 3 years in the south-western region of the country on the central mountain range of the Andes: eight in Otún Quimbaya, Risaralda, and one in Peñas Blancas, Calarcá, Quindío, influence area of Los Nevados Natural National Park, recognized strongholds for the species’ conservation in the country. Current population estimates suggest fewer than 100 individuals remain in the area of the park, raising significant concerns about the long-term viability of the species. As a signatory to the COP 16 agreements held in Cali in 2024, Colombia committed to adopting the “One Health” approach as part of its National Biodiversity Plan under the Kunming-Montreal Framework. This approach aims to address the interconnectedness of biodiversity and health through an integrated, holistic perspective. In this study, we propose a One Health-based strategy to mitigate the potential risk of local extinction of the mountain tapir in this zone of epizootic events. Our methodology integrates geographic information system (GIS) analyses and mathematical modeling to examine the demographic impact of screwworm myiasis on T. pinchaque . We developed a situational analysis focused on a multisectoral response plan and advocate for the urgent implementation of contingency measures to ensure mountain tapirs’ survival and slow down the ongoing process of local extinction. We conclude that environmental surveillance through community participatory science, combined with social sensors detecting unusual natural behaviors, can complement the efforts of environmental decision makers, academic researchers, and productive sector stakeholders. Moreover, species conservation, particularly extinction prevention, is only achievable through the integration of capacities across multiple sectors, breaking down traditional silos. One Health impact statement We consider this work highly relevant within a One Health context, as it analyzes and provides management tools and information to address the urgent threat of extinction facing the mountain tapir. This ecologically vital species is at risk due to a human-induced epidemic associated with myiasis caused by cattle screwworms. The issue involves the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment, requiring a holistic, multistakeholder, and transdisciplinary approach to foster integration across different sectors within the One Health framework. We conclude that species conservation, particularly extinction prevention, is only possible through the integration of capacities across multiple sectors, breaking down traditional silos. Environmental surveillance through community participatory science, along with the use of social sensors to detect unusual natural behaviors, can complement the efforts of environmental decision makers, academic researchers, and stakeholders in the productive sector. These groups are both primary contributors to and beneficiaries of the proposed conservation strategy.

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