Range

South America is the native home of the Brazilian tapir. Here they can be found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

They are considered extinct in small parts of their range.

Habitat

The Brazilian tapir is also known as the lowland tapir and can be found in lowland areas. They make their home in moist swamp forests, shrublands, wetlands and grasslands.

Reproduction

Males will compete for breeding rights with the females by biting one another on their toes.

Following a 380 day gestation period a single calf is born though twins are possible on rare occasions. At birth the young weigh between 3.2 and 5.8kg (7-12.8lbs). Within two hours of their birth the calf is standing.

The skin of calves is patterned with white spots and stripes which are described by many as resembling a watermelon.

It is believed this pattern helps them to camouflage among vegetation. This color is lost by one year old.

Young are weaned after 6-8 months old and become independent by 18 months old. Males are not involved in the care of the infant.

Sexual maturity is reached between two and three years old. Females in captivity have breed as old as 28 years of age.

Behavior

When disturbed they produce a vocalization which is a loud, piercing whistle. A clicking noise is used to communicate with other Brazilian tapirs. There is an increase in these during mating season. They will scent mark to show their territory.

They spend much of their time in the water. This provides some level of protection against predators. Wallowing in the water also helps to remove parasites. Their flexible snout is used as a snorkel under water to help them breathe.

Adult Brazilian tapirs are solitary and only come together to mate.

Brazilian tapirs come out at night to feed.

Predators and Threats

The main natural predator of the Brazilian tapir is the jaguar. They may also be eaten by crocodilians, pumas and anacondas.

Humans impact their population through deforestation, hunting and competition for food with domestic livestock. A major threat is the destruction and fragmentation of habitat.

Quick facts

A group of tapirs is known as a candle.

Tapirs are believed to have lived on Earth unchanged for 20 million years.

The closest relatives of the tapir are the horse and rhinoceros.

Their name ‘tapir’ comes from a Brazilian word which means ‘thick’ in reference to their thick skin.