Wayki, the tapir, invites you to visit and take care of Tucumán

One of the major problems facing the planet today is the lack of preservation and protection of its natural resources and habitats, as well as the species that inhabit them. With the goal of conservation and promoting the local fauna as a beacon, the Tucumán Tourism Board created Wayki, a friendly tapir character with a friendly and fun spirit who became the destination's host pet for domestic tourists and those visiting from other countries.

The tapir was chosen because this species is native to our province and the Tucumán Yungas is its home, also known as the "cloud forest," its pleasant, cheerful sounding name Wayki was chosen in honor of the indigenous peoples who inhabited the region. Its meaning in Quechua is linked to friendship, brotherhood, and camaraderie.

The tapir also plays a fundamental role in nature, as it is considered the "gardener of the jungle." This is because it is responsible for dispersing and germinating seeds from all the fruits it feeds on. According to estimates, this species can weigh between 150 and 300 kilos, placing it among the largest native mammals. Regarding its life expectancy, the tapir is around 25 to 30 years old.

Currently, major efforts are being made in the province to reintroduce and conserve the tapir, led by the Horco Molle Experimental Reserve and the National University of Tucumán. Today, Tucumán residents and interested tourists can observe specimens of this species in the reserve located in Yerba Buena.