Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Perissodactyla
- Family: Tapiridae
- Genus: Tapirus
Subspecies
There are five recognized species of tapirs, namely:
- Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
- Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)
- Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
- Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque)
- Kabomani Tapir (Tapirus kabomani)
Related Animals
Tapirs are most closely related to other animals in the order Perissodactyla, including horses and rhinoceroses.
Vital Statistics
- Population Size: Approximately 5,000-6,000 Baird’s tapirs and less than 3,500 Mountain tapirs. The exact numbers for other species are unknown.
- Lifespan: Up to 30 years in the wild and 40 in captivity.
- Top Speed: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Weight: 150-320 kg (330-700 lbs)
- Height: 90-107 cm (35-42 in) at the shoulder
- Length: 1.8-2.5 m (5.9-8.2 ft) from head to tail
Coloration and Diet
Tapirs have a range of coloration from dark brown to gray to nearly black, often with lighter underbellies. Their diet mainly consists of leaves, twigs, fruits, and seeds.
Geographical Location and Habitat
Tapirs are found in various parts of Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. They inhabit various environments such as rainforests, grasslands, and mountains.
Biome and Climate Zone
They primarily live in the tropical rainforest biome and in mountainous regions up to the snow line, located in tropical and subtropical climate zones.
Social Structure
- Group Name: A group of tapirs is often called a “candle.”
- Grouping Behavior: Tapirs are primarily solitary animals, only typically gathering for mating purposes.
Reproduction
- Age of Sexual Maturity: Around 3 years old.
- Name of Males: Bull
- Name of Females: Cow
- Name of Young/Offspring: Calf
- Reproduction Season: Non-seasonal
- Gestation Period: Approximately 13 months
- Type of Birth: Live birth
- Age of Weaning: 6 months to 1 year
Conservation Status
All tapir species are considered threatened, with the Mountain Tapir and Malayan Tapir classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Descriptions
- General: Tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals known for their distinctive proboscis-like snouts, used for foraging on vegetation.
- Appearance: Tapirs have a robust, rounded body with a short tail, small eyes, and large, rounded ears. Their color ranges from brown to gray, with white or light-colored tips on their ears and sometimes their tails.
- Geographical Distribution: Tapirs are primarily found in the rainforests of Central and South America and the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia.
- Habit and Lifestyle: Tapirs are nocturnal and crepuscular, spending most of the day resting, often in water, and foraging at dusk and dawn.
- Diet and Nutrition: Tapirs are herbivores, feeding on a wide variety of plants, including leaves, twigs, fruits, and seeds.
- Mating Habits: Tapirs are solitary and only come together to mate. After a gestation period of around 13 months, a single calf is born.
- Population: Tapirs face numerous threats, including habitat loss, hunting, and road accidents, leading to declining population numbers. Their ecological niche as seed dispersers is vital to the health of the ecosystems they inhabit.
Interesting Facts
- Tapirs are excellent swimmers and often retreat into the water to escape predators.
- Despite their bulky appearance, they are quite agile and can navigate rugged terrain quickly.
- They are one of the most ancient groups of mammals, with a lineage dating back millions of years.
AZA Zoos
Many AZA-accredited zoos, including the San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, among others, house various tapirs.
