About Tapirs - Tapir Specialist Group

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Lowland Tapir Habitat Range (Tapirus terrestris) Maps by Carlos Pedraza, TSG, 2008 Illustration by Stephen Nash, Conservation International Range: The Lowland tapir occurs through a wide geographic range from North-Central Colombia and east of the Andes throughout most of tropical South America. It occurs mostly in tropical lowland rainforest but can also be found in seasonally dry habitats such as the Chaco of Bolivia and Paraguay. Characteristics: Up to 2.4 meters long (7.9 feet) and 300 kg (660 pounds). Lowland tapirs are blackish-brown dorsally with the ears edged in white. They have a well-developed saggital crest that runs to the middle of the back, which is covered by very long black hair. Status: Vulnerable Conservation threats: The major threats to the species are habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting for meat, road-kill and competition with domestic livestock. Population Estimate(2008): There is not enough research information available to estimate population. We do know that due to habitat loss population numbers are in decline, though numerous strongholds exist. The lowland tapir, although generally rare and elusive, can be locally common, such as around water sources. Behavior: Mating: There is very little information about the reproduction of lowland tapirs in the wild. Overall, the four species of tapirs have very slow reproductive cycles. Adult females usually produce a single offspring after a lengthy gestation period of 13–14 months (390–410 days). Activity: The lowland tapir is primarily solitary and shy, grazing and foraging at night, and resting or hiding during the day. The lowland tapir is a strong swimmer, known to cross rivers and take to the water to escape predators. Feeding habits: Lowland tapirs eat a variety of fruits and plants. In fact, more than 170 species of fruits in over 60 different plant families have been identified as eaten by lowland tapirs throughout their range. Other: In some locations it has been found that lowland tapirs are considerably less active during the brighter phases of the moon. Previous studies suggest that a lower level of animal activity during moonlit nights is a result of higher predation risk. Other names: Tapir, danta (Spanish), anta (Brazil), maypouri (Quichua), danta de tierras bajas o amazónica (Spanish), sachavaca, huagra (Perú); anta (Brasil); gran bestia (Colombia, Ecuador). Sources: Available at http://www.tapirs.org/tapirs/lowland.html 12 13 Lowland Tapir
Malayan Tapir Habitat Range (Tapirus indicus) Maps by Carlos Pedraza, TSG, 2008 Illustration by Stephen Nash, Conservation International Range: This species is found from southern Thailand and southern Myanmar (Burma) through the Malayan Peninsular and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It occurs in rainforests and lower montane forests. It survives well in secondary, regenerating native forests. Characteristics: Up to 3 meters long (9.8 feet) and 400 kg (880 pounds). It is the largest of the four tapir species. The Malayan tapir can be easily identified by its color pattern. A white saddle starts behind the front legs and extends over the back to the tail. The contrasting colors form a disruptive pattern that blends the animal with its environment and makes it more difficult for predators to recognize it as potential prey. Status: Endangered Conservation threats: Habitat destruction and fragmentation is the primary threat. Large scale deforestation, including illegal logging for timber, is a major source of habitat loss. The growth of palm oil plantations is also a major factor in habitat loss. Hunting is also on the rise as other large “prey” species in the area are reduced in number. Population Estimate(2008): 1,500 to 2,000 individuals. Numbers are decreasing. Behavior: Mating: Primarily solitary, the species forms occasional associations for breeding. Sounds: Communication is by a range of whistles of different pitch and duration. Activity: The Malayan tapir is more active throughout the night. Tapirs studied in Taman Negara in Malaysia were observed to browse occasionally during the daytime hours but were mostly encountered at rest. Males appear to have small home ranges, about 1-2 sq km (250-500 acres) and females possibly range more widely. Feeding habits: Malayan tapirs are selective browsers, concentrating their diet on young leaves and growing twigs. In addition to foliage, Malayan Tapirs consume considerable amounts of fruit that they pick up from the ground. During feeding they sometimes push over small trees and break smaller sapling stems and branches in order to get to the leaves and twigs. Other: A lot is still unknown about this species. It is vulnerable to predation by tigers. Its only defense is to run through thick vegetation. It has very thick and tough skin, particularly on its hindquarters. It also has a vicious bite. Other names: Malayan tapir, badak (Malaysia and Indonesia), som-set (Thailand). Sources: Available at http://www.tapirs.org/tapirs/malay.html 14 15 Malayan Tapir
Page 2 and 3: As Chair of the IUCN/SSC Tapir Spec
Page 4 and 5: 1980 - Keith Williams appointed as
Page 6 and 7: What threats do tapirs face? • Hu
Page 10 and 11: Mountain Tapir Habitat Range (Tapir
Page 12 and 13: Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque):
Page 14 and 15: Biographies Key Tapir Conservationi
Page 16 and 17: Recent Tapir Releases New Research
Page 18 and 19: Tapir Holdings Worldwide BAIRD’S
Page 20 and 21: North America (continued) Ellen Tro
Page 22 and 23: Europe (continued) Howletts Wild An
Page 24 and 25: Europe (continued) Zagreb Zoo ADDRE
Page 26 and 27: Media Contact Information PATRÍCIA

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