The South American tapir is a large, dark-brown mammal with a short, flexible trunk. It lives in the forests and wetlands of South America and plays a vital role in dispersing seeds of many trees.
Interesting facts
- It is one of the largest native land mammals in South America.
- Tapirs have changed relatively little over millions of years.
- A short mane runs along the back of its neck.
- It is an excellent swimmer and often escapes predators by diving into water.
- Jaguars are its main natural predator.
- Tapirs visit clay licks to eat mineral-rich soil.
Behaviour
Tapirs are solitary and mostly nocturnal. They follow regular trails to water and feeding areas, and often rest in mud or water during the day.
Breeding and young
After a gestation of about 13 months, a single striped and spotted calf is born. It stays with its mother for about a year.
Threats and conservation
Hunting, deforestation, road deaths and fragmentation of habitat. Slow reproduction makes populations slow to recover.
Where to see it
- Pantanal, Brazil, on night drives
- Tambopata and Manu, Peru, at clay licks
- Iguaçu National Park, Brazil and Argentina
- Amazon lodges in Ecuador and Brazil
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
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