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The World's Tapirs--The Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Range: Rainforest and wetlands of South America Characteristics: Up to 6 feet long (1.8 meters) and 550 pounds (225 kg) Status: Vulnerable The Lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) 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 seaonally dry habitats such as the Chaco of Bolivia and Paraguay. Conservation Threats: The major threats to the species are habitat loss due to deforestation, hunting for meat 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: The Lowland tapir is primarily solitary and shy, grazeing and foraging at night, and resting or hiding during the day. It eats fruits and plants and other vegetation and is a strong swimmer, known to cross rivers and take to the water to escape predators. 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). Illustration generously provided by Stephen Nash, Conservation International |
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