2021 09 17 2021Tapir On Safari Night 4 Dr Ywp

Lowland Tapir

Say hello to the fascinating Lowland Tapir!

Status

Vulnerable species
Size

1.8m long
Distribution

Tropical lowland forest
Diet

Herbivore

You will quickly notice their unique nose and upper lip which combine into a flexible snout to help pick up fruits and grab leaves in lowland forest.

Where in the park?

Visit Atlantic Forest

Species

The Tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal with a short, prehensile nose. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of South and Central America, with one species inhabiting Southeast Asia.

Did you know?

Tapirs are most closely related to rhinos and horses – they are odd toed ungulates and they have a thick spikey mane of hair which protects them from predators that target the neck.

Breeding

Young tapirs are dark brown with many stripes and spots to provide camouflage in the forests.They are often called ‘watermelons’

Numbers

The population of Lowland Tapir has seen a reduction estimated to be slightly greater than 30% in the past thirty years due to habitat loss, illegal hunting and competition with domestic livestock.