Brazilian Lowland Tapir - Five Sisters Zoo

Individuals are dark brown in colour with a pale chest and pale patches on their cheeks. Lowland tapirs are identified by a stiff crest of hair that runs from their head to their shoulders. They possess a prehensile nose that can be used as a snorkel while swimming or to grab leaves when foraging, acting as an additional limb. They are excellent swimmers and equally at home on land, able to reach speeds of up to 30mph if necessary.

Facts

Diet: Herbivore; fruits, aquatic plants, some species of palm fruit and other vegetation.

Weight: 136-317 kg

Habitat: South America; specifically the forest, wetlands and savannah in northern and central countries, though historically the range spanned much of the continent.

Life Span: 25-30 years

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Adapted to Survive

  • Individuals have thicker skin on their back that help resist the attack of predators
  • Their hooved toes, four on the front and three on their back feet, help them walk through muddy grounds
  • Young tapirs have pale stripes and spots that help them camouflage on the forest floor

Threats

  • Human expansion leading to vehicle collision and high mortality when tapirs try to access resources such as food and water
  • Habitat fragmentation and loss due to deforestation
  • Poaching

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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