Lowland Tapir
Tapirus terrestris
- IUCN StatusVulnerable
- PopulationUnknown
- DietHerbivore. mostly leaves, buds, shoots, small branches and aquatic plants.
- GroupCandle
- Size1.8 meters long.
- ContinentSouth America
- Lifespan25-30 years
- Weight225kg
- HabitatRainforest of South America
- Scientific NameTapirus terrestris
Meet the Lowland Tapir
Lowland tapirs can grow to the size of a small pony, and when running resemble a galloping horse. They have large teeth, perfect for grinding up plants and seeds, and their long prehensile snout is used to reach for leaves and fruits. They are also known for being strong swimmers, with the ability to cross rivers and take to the water to escape predators.
It feeds on leaves, buds, shoots, and small branches it tears from trees, fruit, grasses, and aquatic plants. They also feed on the vast majority of seeds found in the rainforest.
Tapirs are a vital source of plant distribution in the wild as their droppings contain many fruit and plant seeds.
Introducing....
Pumpkin & Pear our lowland tapirs
Did you know?
Here are just some of the many things to know about Lowland Tapirs.
Do tapirs live in large groups?
No, they don't. They are mostly solitary animals until the mating season which is normally April, May or June
How big are lowland tapirs?
They are the largest wild land animal in South America, growing up to 1.8 metres long and weighing around 225 kg
Can lowland tapirs swim?
Yes! They are very capable swimmers that can stay underwater for several minutes. Even youngsters are able to swim when just a few days old.
What animals are tapirs related to?
They are believed to be most closely related to horses and rhinos although they have a prehensile snout just like an elephants trunk.
How do tapirs communicate with each other?
Tapirs make shrill whistles & clicks, shrieking to express pain & snorting to express irritation
