Diet
Tapirs mainly eat leaves and twigs, plus fruit and grasses. Palm fruits are an important part of their diet, especially during the dry season when there aren’t many other types of fruit available.
Habitat
Lowland areas of many countries in northern and central South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador.
Population
There are around 3,00-4,500 South American tapirs. Major threats include habitat loss due to deforestation, unsustainable hunting for their meat, and competition with cattle.
Lifespan
Around 35 years.
Tapir are great swimmers and can even dive! They use this ability to help them feed on aquatic plants as well as to escape from predators.
Behaviour: Tapirs are nocturnal and crepuscular animals. They spend most of their day underwater, using their snouts like snorkels, to keep cool in their hot forest environment and also to avoid predators.
More of our animals you may like to meet
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