SOUTH AMERICAN TAPIR
Tapirus terrestris
DESCRIPTION
The South American tapir, also known as the Brazilian tapir, is the largest terrestrial mammal in South America. It has a distinctive body shape with a short, prehensile snout and is often found near water sources.
FUN FACTS
- South American tapirs are often referred to as 'living fossils' due to their ancient lineage | They can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes | Their prehensile snouts are used to grasp leaves and branches
QUICK INFO
Lifespan25-30 years in the wild, up to 35 in captivity
Average Weight150-300 kg
Average Length1.8-2.5 m
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary, occasionally seen in pairs
Activity PatternNocturnal
Breeding SeasonYear-round, with peaks in certain regions
- Habitat
- They inhabit tropical rainforests, savannas, and wetlands. These environments provide ample vegetation and water sources for their survival.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest, Savanna, Wetland
- Native Range
- The species is native to the Amazon Basin and surrounding areas in South America.
- Continent
- South America
- Countries
- Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina
- Diet
- South American 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 seen in pairs
- Activity Pattern
- Nocturnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 0
NT
LC
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 underparts
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years in the wild, up to 35 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 390-400 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Year-round, with peaks in certain regions
VU
Vulnerable
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable but faces threats from habitat loss.
- 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. These factors have led to a decline in their populations.
- Conservation Program
- Various conservation programs are in place, including habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts.
- Predators
- Jaguar, puma, and large snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their size and strength, as well as their ability to swim to escape predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Common