LOWLAND TAPIR
DESCRIPTION
The Lowland Tapir is the largest of the four tapir species and is characterized by its stout body and short legs. It has a distinctive long snout that is used for grasping leaves and fruits.
FUN FACTS
- Lowland Tapirs are often referred to as 'living fossils' due to their ancient lineage | They can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes | Their long snouts are highly flexible, allowing them to grasp food efficiently
QUICK INFO
Lifespan25-30 years in captivity, 15-20 years in the wild
Average Weight150-300 kg
Average Length1.8-2.5 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally found in pairs during mating
Activity PatternCrepuscular
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks depending on the region
- Habitat
- They inhabit tropical rainforests, swamps, and grasslands, often near water sources. Their habitat provides ample vegetation for foraging.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Wetlands
- Native Range
- They are native to Central and South America, from southern Mexico to northern Argentina.
- Continent
- North America, South America
- Countries
- Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela
- Diet
- Lowland Tapirs are herbivores, primarily feeding on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, fruits, aquatic plants
- Social Structure
- solitary, occasionally found in pairs during mating
- Activity Pattern
- Crepuscular
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 0
150-300 kg
Weight
1.8-2.5 m
Length
1.0-1.2 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- dark brown to grayish with lighter patches
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years in captivity, 15-20 years in the wild
- Gestation Period
- 390-395 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks depending on the region
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently decreasing due to habitat loss and hunting.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 20,000-30,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to agriculture and deforestation, as well as hunting for meat and skin.
- Conservation Program
- Various local conservation programs aimed at habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts.
- Predators
- Large cats such as jaguars and pumas, as well as humans.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They can submerge in water to evade predators and have a strong sense of smell.
- Found in Zoos
- Common