Brazilian Tapir

In spite of its common name of bush cow, the Brazilian Tapir is more closely related to horses and rhinoceroses; all members of the Order Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates). Of the four species of tapir, the only other one that lives in South America is the Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), which is also the smallest tapir.

Brazilian Tapir

Tapirus terrestris

(Photo © A. Holland / G. Duncan)

Physical Description*

Tapirus terrestris is 77 to 108cm [30 to 43 in.] at the shoulder. The total body length of females ranges to 221cm [just over 7 ft.], and of males to 204cm [6 ft., 7 in.]. The tail is a short stump of approximately 8cm. The hindfeet have three hooved toes and the forefeet have an additional, much reduced, fourth toe. Coloration varies from tan to black or red. The undersides and short legs are generally dark and the cheeks, throat, and ear edges are often lighter in color. A black mane extends from the forehead to the midback. One of the most distinguishable characteristics of the Brazilian tapir is its proboscis, which is long, flexible, prehensile, and covered with sensory vibrissae. A tall sagittal crest makes the head appear convex. Females have a single pair of mammary glands. Young are colored quite differently from the adults; they are dark brown and have white spots and stripes.

Brazilian Tapirs are often seen swimming

in the many rivers of Iwokrama Forest.

(Photo © A. Holland / G. Duncan)

Habitat

The range of Brazilian Tapirs is east of the Andes from northern Columbia, Brazil, Venezuela, the Guianas, northern Argentina and Paraguay. Moist, wet or seasonally flooded lowland forests are their primary habitats.

All Tapirs, like their relatives the horse and rhinoceros,

are strictly vegetarian.

Diet

They are strictly vegetarian, feeding on leaves, grass, soft shoots and fruits of trees. Despite not knowing their full ecological importance, Brazilian Tapirs appear quite important for the dispersal of seeds for many plant species.

A juvenile Brazilian Tapir

Family Life

These are shy, solitary creatures except during the breeding season where they may congregate in pairs or trios. Females are usually larger than males, weighing up to 250kg (551 lbs.). Offspring are born after about 13 months of pregnancy.

Status in the Wild

Brazilian Tapirs are hunted for subsistence use and are susceptible to over hunting. The other major threat to these tapirs is loss of habitat due to logging and fires, which also causes the loss of some of their food sources.

As of 11th November 2004:

• Listed as Appendix II by the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) - trade in the animal must be controlled.
• Listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List - the species is experiencing a significantly declining population.

*Physical Description reprinted from: Gorog, A. 2001. "Tapirus terrestris", Animal Diversity Web. Accessed November 10, 2004.