tapir behavior- an examination of activity patterns, mother young ...

individual walked 5.6km to use one (Eisenberg et al., 1990; Williams, 1978)). Thom
(1936) noted “the animal is considered to be holy, and more or less sacred because
periodically about the full and new moon it visits the nearest salt-lick or hot sulphur
springs of mineral and saline mud in the vicinity of its haunts as if to go into retreat or to
make as it were its orisons.” Artificial salt licks constructed in Taman-Negara National
Park in West Malaysia attract tapirs (Eisenberg et al., 1990). Tapirs in Krau Reserve visit
the salt lick 2-3 times a week- more often than any of the other animals in the park;
(Traeholt, 2004). In 1957, Wharton (Williams and Petrides, 1980) suggested that without
salt licks ungulates would have to migrate or perish, but Williams (1978) stated the true
importance of salt licks to tapirs remains unknown.
Water usage
The Malay tapir is the least aquatic of the extant Tapiridae; however, it is
considered to have an “amphibious nature” and readily seeks out marshes and rivers for
swimming (Anon., 1834; Rabinowitz, 1997). Tapirs walk along the bottom as do
hippopotami remaining submerged for long periods (Barongi, 1993; Dudgeon, 2000a;
Dudgeon, 2000b; Morris, 2005). The Malay tapirs spend the hottest time of the day in the
water and wallow in mud holes, coating their hides with mud to inhibit biting insects
(Eisenberg et al., 1990). The tracks of tapirs can often be found at tributaries and tapirs
are commonly seen near headwaters, swamps and rivers (Harper, 1945; Khan, 1971).
Frequently they will walk into rivers following them for 100-150m or more (Williams,
1978). Tapirs also use water to escape predation, cool off, and sometimes for mating
(Abdulali, 1952; Eisenberg et al., 1990; McClure, 1963).
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