Why is the South American tapir important to its ecosystem?

As the largest terrestrial mammal in the Amazon, it eats large quantities of fruit and disperses the seeds widely, making it a key seed disperser for many rainforest plant species.

How does the South American tapir avoid predators?

It is an excellent swimmer and diver, capable of staying underwater for more than five minutes, and often escapes jaguars, pumas, and caimans by fleeing into water or thick brush.

Why is the South American tapir considered Vulnerable?

Poaching for meat and hide, combined with habitat destruction from deforestation, have driven population declines across its range.

Brazilian Tapirブラジルバク

Tapirus terrestrisVU— Vulnerable

The South American tapir, also called the Brazilian or lowland tapir, is the largest native terrestrial mammal of the Amazon rainforest, recognizable by its short, prehensile snout. An excellent swimmer active mainly at night, it plays an outsized ecological role as a seed disperser across the forests it roams. Poaching and deforestation have driven population declines, and the IUCN classifies the species as Vulnerable.

Brazilian Tapir (reference photo) — Photo: Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification: Perissodactyla / Tapiridae Source
Size: Body length: males about 204 cm, females about 221 cm; shoulder height about 77–108 cm
Weight: About 150–320 kg (average about 225 kg)
Lifespan: Captive: about 25–35 years
Diet: Herbivore Herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, twigs, bark, fruit, and aquatic plants
Activity: Nocturnal; rests in thickets during the day
Distribution: The South American tapir ranges across the Amazon basin east of the Andes, including Venezuela, Colombia, the Guianas, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, and Paraguay. Source
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Did You Know?

An excellent swimmer and diver, the South American tapir can stay submerged for more than five minutes, often escaping jaguars, pumas, and caimans by fleeing into water or dense brush. Source
It is the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Amazon and plays a crucial ecological role as a major seed disperser for rainforest plants. Source
Though generally docile, a cornered tapir can defend itself powerfully, and documented incidents show it can inflict serious injuries with its bite. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 4

Yokohama Shiritsu Kanazawa DoubutsuenKanagawaOpened in 1982

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Kyoto City ZooKyotoOpened in 1903

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Hirakawa ZooKagoshimaAbout a 20-minute walk from Goino Station on the JR Ibusuki-Makurazaki Line, or take a bus bound for Taniyama / Dobutsuen from Fukuhira Nokyo-mae to the last stop.

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Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical GardensAichiOpened in 1937

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Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Vulnerable (VU)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

Support Conservation

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Visit: A visit itself helps support the facility.
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FAQ

Why is the South American tapir important to its ecosystem?: As the largest terrestrial mammal in the Amazon, it eats large quantities of fruit and disperses the seeds widely, making it a key seed disperser for many rainforest plant species. Source
How does the South American tapir avoid predators?: It is an excellent swimmer and diver, capable of staying underwater for more than five minutes, and often escapes jaguars, pumas, and caimans by fleeing into water or thick brush. Source
Why is the South American tapir considered Vulnerable?: Poaching for meat and hide, combined with habitat destruction from deforestation, have driven population declines across its range. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?: Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 4 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org