Brazilian Tapirブラジルバク

Species Data

Classification

Perissodactyla / Tapiridae Source

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

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

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