Native to Asia, Central
America and South America, the Tapir is a
pig like animal of the order Perissodactyla and the family Tapiridae. There are four species of tapir: Baird's, Brazilian,
Malayan and mountain all of which are on the endangered species list. Tapirs
are relatives of the rhinoceros.
Tapirs are typically seven feet in length
and three feet in height and can be reddish brown all the way to jet black in
color. Distinguishing characteristics include short hoofed feet, long snouts,
small tails and white tips on their ears. A tapir can live for 30 years. Tapirs
are not very social creatures and browse forests and the mountain habitats they
prefer alone.
Herbivores, tapirs feed on berries, fruits and young leaves.
They spend a lot of time in the river, cooling off and keeping away from
natural predators such as tigers, anacondas and jaguars. They are at the threat
of extinction due to over hunting for their meat.