These ungulates are an important component of the tropical ecosystem through their actions as seed dispersers and seed predators, and in turn their influence on forest composition and structure.
Amazonian ungulates are also important for the socio-economic value they provide rural people.
Brocket deer, peccaries and tapir make up the majority of wildlife meat consumed by local people throughout the Neotropics and their products are sold in national and international markets. The secluded nature of Amazonian ungulates makes them difficult to find in most natural settings. Indeed, tourists appreciate the Neotropics for the primates, macaws and other outstanding animals, not the shy, wary ungulates. But this is in contrast to local people who strive to hunt these ungulates. Whilst Amazonian ungulates are not held in great esteem by the outside world, they are some of the most important animals for rural people.