Brazilian Tapir

Brazilian Tapir

Lowland tapir, South American tapir, Anta, Amazonian tapir, Maned tapir

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Tapirus terrestris
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
30-35 years
Top speed
48
30
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
150-320
330-704
kglbs
kg lbs 
Height
77-108
30.3-42.5
cminch
cm inch 
Length
1.8-2.5
5.9-8.2
mft
m ft 

Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is a species of rhinoceros family with a characteristic fleshy trunk, which is prehensile and able to grasp objects such as leaves. It is the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Amazon. Brazilian tapir was recognized as a separate species in 1758 by Western scientists. Otherwise known as Lowland or South American, this animal is found only in South American forests. This species currently has the largest area of distribution among all tapirs and is the least threatened species of its genus, which is made up of odd-toed ungulates.

Appearance

Brazilian tapirs are dark brown, paler in the face, and have a low, erect crest running from the crown down the back of the neck. The round, dark ears have distinctive white edges. Newborn tapirs have a dark brown coat, with small white spots and stripes along the body.

Video

Distribution

Geography

The natural range of this species covers most of continental South America, stretching east of the Andes. Brazilian tapir geographically occurs from northern Colombia to southern Brazil to northern Argentina and Paraguay as well as in Venezuela, the Guyanas, eastern Peru, and northern and eastern parts of Bolivia. These animals prefer to live in moist, lowland rainforests with a constant source of water. However, they have been seen in a wide variety of habitats including savannah, dry and moist shrublands, grasslands, and wetlands. Additionally, in certain areas, Brazilian tapirs travel to higher elevations during the rainy season.

Brazilian Tapir habitat map

Climate zones

Brazilian Tapir habitat map

Habits and Lifestyle

Brazilian tapirs generally lead a solitary lifestyle, except for the mating season, when they live in pairs as well as mothers and their young, who often travel together. They are mostly nocturnal, spending their daytime hours in shelters, located in the forest. During the night, they leave these shelters to find food. Despite poor eyesight, these animals perceive their environment through a highly-developed olfactory perception. Brazilian tapirs are generally shy and peaceful animals. However, they are known to display considerably aggressive behavior when defending their mating rights and home ranges. Communication between conspecifics generally occurs through vocalizations. Brazilian tapirs emit several noises, one of which is the shrieking noise, displaying threat, distress, or pain. During the reproductive season, they can often be heard producing clicking sounds, through which they identify themselves to each other. Aggressive attitude is expressed by nasal snorting sound, whereas the puffing sound displays irritation.

Group name
Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Brazilian tapirs are herbivores (folivores and frugivores). Their diet is generally composed of plant material such as fruits, leaves, buds, and shoots. They particularly favor mombin fruits, resembling large plums. They also enjoy large huito fruits, similar to berries as well as fruits of the moriche palm.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
year-round
PREGNANCY DURATION
335-439 days
BABY CARRYING
1 calf
INDEPENDENT AGE
18 months
FEMALE NAME
cow
MALE NAME
bull
BABY NAME
calf

There is no information on the reproductive system of this species. However, they may be polygynous, since males are known to defend their mating rights, which they do by biting each other on the feet. Breeding occurs throughout the year. The gestation period lasts for 335-439 days and females produce a single baby, weighing about 15 pounds (6.8 kg). During the first 6-10 months of its life, the young tapir is nursed by its mother. Independence is reached at 1.5 years old. Females are ready to produce offspring of their own within 2-3 years at birth. There has been known a case of 28 years old captive female, yielding offspring. This is the oldest recorded female of this species to give birth.

Population

Population threats

The biggest threats to the population of this vulnerable species are excessive hunting, harsh competition with livestock as well and deforestation, leading to the loss of their natural habitat. Brazilian tapirs are officially protected by the government. Within their range, there are several protected areas, where these animals live. Nevertheless, they are still exposed to hunting.

Population number

The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Brazilian tapir total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Due to their fruit-based diet, Brazilian tapirs serve as important seed dispersers of numerous fruit-bearing plants they consume.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • When facing a predator, the Brazilian tapir will flee and dive into the water. This animal is an excellent diver, remaining deep under the surface until the predator leaves. Additionally, it is an accomplished swimmer. When foraging, it often moves along the bottom of riverbeds.
  • Tapirs in general are called 'umbrella' animals in the sense that they usually occupy large territories, thus indirectly protecting many other animal species of the area.
  • Newborn babies of this genus exhibit dappled spots on their bodies, which serve as ideal camouflage. These markings disappear by 6 months old, after which the young tapirs gain their adult appearance.
  • These animals are occasionally referred to as 'living fossils' due to their close resemblance to their extinct relatives.

Coloring Pages

References

1. Brazilian Tapir Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_American_tapir
2. Brazilian Tapir on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/21474/0

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