Geographic range:
Found from Mexico to N Colombia and NW Ecuador. In Mexico from
S Veracruz and S Oaxaca south, from lowlands up to 3800 m above sea
level.
Physical characteristics:
The largest land -dwelling mammal in its range. Bulky, with
strong neck and rump. Prominent feature is elongated nose resembling
a short trunk. Overall color is gray. Ears are small, tail short.
Young individuals are reddish with striking white spots and stripes.
Adults reach 300 kg of weight and 2m in length.
Food
habits: Herbivorous. Feeds mostly on saplings of secondary
vegetation, other vegetable matter, like fruit, grasses and flowers
is also consumed.
Reproduction:
A single calf is born after 13 months of gestation.
Behavior: Both diurnal and nocturnal,
tapirs spend long hours resting in mud pools or in shade. Usually
solitary, although a mother with a calf can be seen. Communicate through
long whistles and grunts. Tapirs are vary animals and have very acute
sense of smell and hearing. Eyesight is reportedly poor.
Habitat: Forested areas, swamps.
Conservation:
CITES appendix I. Rare and local. Population declining throughout
the range due to destruction of habitat and intensive hunting for
meat. |
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