Tapir

Tapir Latest News

World Tapir Day is celebrated every year on April 27.

About Tapir

• Tapirs are large herbivorous mammals.
• They are often called “living fossils” due to their lineage dating back millions of years.
• Appearance: They have short, flexible snouts, and tapirs use them to grab leaves and fruits.
• They are also excellent swimmers and spend a lot of time in water.
• Diet: They’re herbivores and fifty per cent of their diet consists of fruit.
• Distribution: They inhabit jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. 
• There are only four species of tapirs. They live in distinct geographical areas.
  • Malayan Tapir: It is the largest of the tapirs which is native to Southeast Asia. Its black-and-white stripes help it blend into the forest. (IUCN Status: Endangered)
  • Baird’s Tapir: It is Central America’s biggest land mammal. It is found in tropical forests and around water. (IUCN Status: Endangered)
  • Lowland Tapir: The South American tapir is the most widespread. It is found in the Amazon Basin and other areas. (IUCN Status: Vulnerable)
  • Mountain Tapir: It is the rarest and found in the high Andes. (IUCN Status: Endangered)
• Ecological Role: They form an important part of the ecosystem as seed dispersers. 

Source: News On Air

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