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| Tapirus bairdii |
Fossil remains show that today’s tapirs are very similar to the prehistoric versions that lived in the forests more than 25 million years ago!
Looks
Tapirs, closely related to rhinos, look like pigs, with a small tail, large head and a strong, sturdy body. They can weigh up to 250 kg. (That’s as heavy as four human adults!)
When the Baird's tapir is attacked by its species’ main rival, the jaguar, it does the heroic thing—biting and kicking, then dashing off fast into the undergrowth.
The Baird’s tapir has a short bristly mane down its neck, and lives from Mexico down to northern South America. Like hippos, it enjoys swimming, and usually sticks close to the water.
Habitat
Tapirs make their homes mostly in woods and forests, traveling through the thick undergrowth using the well-trampled and worn paths which have been used by many tapirs to move through the forest. They are mainly nocturnal, but can be found out in the forest at all times.
These tapirs are solitary animals—however, they can be found in feeding groups with other tapirs. Mother and young often stay together as well.
Breeding
The incubation, or gestation, period is up to 390-400 days. The young are patterned with white stripes and spots to blend in with the shade of the forest. Once born, they are weaned after one year.
Feeding
Baird’s tapirs’ diets consist of leaves and berries, which they snatch from trees and bushes with their long elephant-like nose. They are herbivores.
They are listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the endangered chart, and are in danger of becoming extinct. This is mostly due to human hunting and habitat loss.
