Tapir

Tapirs are large herbivorous mammals in the family Tapiridae, known for their short prehensile snouts and barrel-shaped bodies.

Tapirs are large herbivorous mammals in the family Tapiridae, known for their short prehensile snouts and barrel-shaped bodies. They live in tropical forests, wetlands, and river-edge habitats in Central and South America and Southeast Asia, and are closely related to horses and rhinoceroses. These ancient mammals have changed little over millions of years and play a key ecological role as seed dispersers.

Taxonomy and evolution

Tapirs belong to the family Tapiridae in the order Perissodactyla, the odd-toed ungulates. They are described as an ancient mammal group that has existed for millions of years and has changed relatively little over time.

Physical characteristics

Tapirs have heavy bodies, short legs, small eyes and ears, and a short flexible snout that functions like a proboscis. Their feet have four toes on the front and three on the hind feet, a trait shared with other odd-toed ungulates.

Distribution and habitat

Living tapirs are native to Central and South America and to Southeast Asia. They typically live in forests, swamps, wetlands, and areas near streams and rivers.

Diet and ecology

Tapirs are herbivores that browse on leaves, fruit, grass, shrubs, and water plants. They are considered important seed dispersers in the ecosystems where they live.