The Brazilian tapir spends most of its time near water. This tapir is a great swimmer and diver. In addition, the tapir can run fairly fast on land. Tapirs are most active at night. These animals are about two meters long when full grown and can weigh over 500 pounds and reach about two and a half meters long.

The average lifespan of the tapir is thirty years. The Brazilian tapir’s diet consists of leaves, fruit, grass, and various aquatic plants. The tapir’s main enemy is the jaguar. Tapir are also hunted by the native Indians for food. The young are often taken and raised until they reach maturity, and then are eaten. The tapirs voice resembles the whistle of a human.