Two hunters were arrested this Monday as suspects of killing several tapirs (Tapirus bairdii), an infringement to the Law of Conservation of Wildlife.

After a detailed investigation that began in September this year, the two men, one 23 years-old of last names Valverde Esquivel and the other 43 years of age and of last names Valverde Ureña, were detained in their homes located in the areas of El Paramo and the neighborhood of El Relleno in Perez Zeledon, were the police also confiscated several items used for hunting including a handgun and other evidence.

The police had received a video showing the death of several Tapirs and other animals at the hands of the hunters in the Rio Macho Forest Reserve in Cerro de la Muerte, Cartago.

Tapirs are endangered species in Costa Rica and are considered as such by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Tapirs are the biggest land mammal that inhabits the neotropical realm. In Costa Rica it is usually found both in the lowlands, (Guanacaste and Corcovado) as well as highlands such as the Cerro de la Muerte.

Violations the Law of Conservation of Wildlife is punished with prison