Lowland tapir, South American tapir, Anta, Amazonian tapir, Maned tapir
Brazilian tapir is a species of rhinocero family with a characteristic fleshy trunk, which prehensile and able to grasp objects such as leaves. The trunk of this animal also serves as a snorkel, when the tapir swims. Brazilian tapir was recognized as a separate species in 1758 by Western scientists. Otherwise known as Lowland or South American, this animal is endemic to South American forests. This large mammal 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. The latter exhibit 3 toes on each of their hind feet and 4 toes on either forefoot.
Brazilian tapir is dark brown, paler in the face, and has 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. The Brazilian tapir can attain a body length of 1.8 to 2.5 m (5.9 to 8.2 ft) with a 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) short stubby tail and an average weight around 225 kg (496 lb). Adult weight has been reported ranging from 150 to 320 kg (330 to 710 lb). It stands somewhere between 77 to 108 cm (30 to 43 in) at the shoulder.
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. Preferred habitat of this species is moist, lowland rainforest with a constant source of water. However, these mammals have been seen in a wide variety of habitats. Additionally, populations in certain areas travel to higher elevations by the rainy season.
Brazilian tapirs generally lead 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 the 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 a 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.
Brazilian tapirs are herbivores (folivores and frugivores), their diet is generally composed of plant material such as fruits, leaves, buds and shoots. These mammals are known to particularly favor mombin fruits, resembling large plums. They also enjoy large huito fruits, similar to berries as well as fruits of the moriche palm.
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 occur throughout the year. Gestation period lasts for 335 - 439 days with an average of 380. Females produce a single baby, weighing 3.2 - 5.8 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.
The biggest threats to the population of this vulnerable species are excessive hunting, harsh competition with livestock as well as deforestation, leading to loss of their natural habitat. Brazilian tapirs are officially protected by the government. Within their range, there are a number of protected areas, where these animals live. Nevertheless, they are still exposed to hunting.
No estimate of population size is available for Brazilian tapirs. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the IUCN Red List and its numbers continue to decrease.
Due to their fruit-based diet, these animals serve as important seed dispersers of numerous fuirt-bearing plants they consume, as seeds of some fruits (e.g. assai palms and epena) remain undamaged after digestion.
