tapir

tapir facts

Surprisingly, the roots of modern tapir species go all the way back to the Eocene Epoch, between 560 and 33.9 million years ago.

These early tapirs were smaller than modern tapirs and did not have elongated snouts or upper lips. These species weigh up to 400 pounds and are often half the size of existing species.

evolution

The first examples of long-nosed tapirs appeared during the Oligocene epoch, 23 million years ago. The 30-million-year-old species was nearly identical to its living relatives. In fact, today's South American, Asian and mountain tapirs evolved very little over the past 20 to 30 million years.

Tapirs are considered living fossils because they haven't changed much since their evolution more than 50 million years ago and are considered one of the most primitive large mammals in the world.

Generally, these animals are solid creatures with large, prominent hips. They are covered with varying amounts of red, brown, gray or black fur. Mountain tapirs, which inhabit the Andes, were smaller and more hairy than other living species.

Tapirs are animals that resemble many animals, some of which are thought to be closest to donkeys, but they can weigh up to 800 pounds and be over 6 feet long. They are also between two and four feet tall at the shoulder. Their tough coat is repellent from most predators.

5 Unbelievable Tapir Facts!

• Tapirs are animals that have existed on Earth for over 30 million years.
• They live in grasslands, forests, swamps, mountains, and other environments in South America, Asia, and India.
• They have 42 to 44 teeth.
• Tapirs have 52 to 80 chromosomes, depending on the species.

scientific name

There are four extant species of this animal, including:

• Tapir , or South American tapir
• Tapir pinchaque or long-haired tapir
• Tapir , or Malayan tapir
• Tapirus bairdii or Baird tapir.

The fifth species, whose scientific name is Tapirus kabomani or Kabomani Tapir, has not been officially recognized. In the millions of years since this unique creature first appeared, there have been at least 15 other known extinct species besides the living species.

appearance and behavior

In general, modern tapirs have a long snout, called a proboscis, that is all-round. They use this flexible appendage to gather berries, fruits and other plants from all surrounding areas. They have 42 to 44 teeth in their mouths, most of which are flat and help in grinding up plants and fruit.

Except for their snouts, these animals were similar in size and shape to wild boars or rhinos. They can reach over six feet long and nearly three feet tall. They weigh between 400 and 800 pounds as adults, and their tough skin makes them resistant to many predators native to South America, India, and Asia.

These animals are usually solitary animals. They will gather in small groups, called candles, for breeding and social interaction. Babies, called calves, stay with their mothers until they are six to eight months old. At that point, they leave on their own and the mother is free to raise another offspring.

Habitat

The tapir has different native habitats, depending on its species and where it is found. For example, the South American species, Tapirus terrestris , lives in the grasslands of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and Guyana.

In contrast, the Baird tapir, Tapirus bairdii , roams the grasslands of Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America. The mountain tapir is smaller and hairier than its cousins. It lives mainly in the Andes.

The Indian or Asian tapir is found in Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos. It is also found in Malaysia, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), Thailand and Vietnam. These animals love to forage in the jungles and rainforests of these countries.

diet

All species are herbivores, meaning their diet consists only of grasses, seeds, fruits, and other plants. The creature's proboscis can move in various directions to grab low-lying leaves and fruit that other animals might not be able to reach. The animal doesn't eat meat, so its teeth are used only to grind up its nutritious food.

Predators and Threats

The animal has tough skin on its back and neck that helps protect it from the many predators that might want to use it as a source of meat. However, alligators have been known to attack them when they wallow in swamps and mud holes or try to cool off in lakes and rivers.

Wild jungle cats that roam the grasslands of Central America or the jungles of South America and Asia may also prey on these animals. Tigers, jaguars, and pumas are examples of three big cats that hunt tapirs.

Although natural enemies are few, perhaps the greatest threat to the animal's survival is humans. Tapirs have been hunted for centuries not only for their meat but also for their hides. The strong, durable hide of tapirs has made them highly prized for leather goods in parts of Asia and India.

Deforestation and the destruction of natural mating habitats are other major risks faced by these animals. In fact, all four tapir species are endangered or vulnerable, according to Conservation Tracker. None of these species are estimated to number more than 4,500 individuals in nature.

Reproduction, Babies and Longevity

These animals have a relatively long gestation period. In South America and Asia, they usually try to mate before the rainy season. If successful, 13 months later, at the onset of the rainy season, a male or female baby called a calf is born.

The mother can hold only one calf at a time. After birth, the female spends the next six to eight months raising and weaning her offspring. At that point, the cubs are nearing adulthood and the mother can find a new mate. A female tapir can give birth to a calf every two years during her life.

Female tapirs usually reach sexual maturity before male tapirs. Female tapirs can become sexually active as early as three years old, while male tapirs may take four to five years to reach full maturity. Once mature, breeding can take place on land, or while the tapir is cooling off in a lake, river, or other large body of water.

Whether in the wild or in captivity in zoos, tapirs have a very stable lifespan. In fact, most individuals of the four recognized tapir species live between 20 and 30 years. Their consistent lifespan may be due to their large size, tough hide, and other natural defenses that limit the number of true predators they have in the wild.

population

All recognized tapir species are listed as Vulnerable or Endangered on the Wildlife Registry. None of the four species has a wild population of more than 4,500 individuals. Scientists believe there may be as few as 3,000 Malayan tapirs in the world. Baird tapirs number just over 4,500 individuals.

tapir in the zoo

These animals usually do well in zoos. Their life expectancy is surprisingly similar whether in captivity or in the wild. These animals typically live 20 to 30 years, but some specimens have lived 35 or more years in zoos. In fact, the San Diego Zoo has an established breeding program that has produced more than 30 baby tapirs over the past 80 years.

Tapirs can be kept with other species native to Central America, South America, or Asia. For example, at the San Diego Zoo, tapirs live in the same exhibit as capybaras and guanacos.

See all 128 animals starting with T