Tapirus terrestris

Tapirs are 1.8 to 2.4 m (6 to 8 ft.) long and stand about 1 m (40 in.) at the shoulder.

They may weigh more that 270 kg (600 lb).

Their tapering and sloping face ends in a small, movable trunk. Their eyes are small and their ears rounded and erect. Their back is rounded, their legs are shor, and their tail studmpy. Each forefoot has four toes and each hind foot three. Their color ranges from reddish brown to black.

They feed on almost any plant and also raid farm crops.

The Brazilian Tapir ranges from Colombia and Venzuela to Brazil.

• The tapir looks like a pig but is related to the rhinoceros and the horse.
• Four species make up the genus Tapirus, family tapiridae.
• Tapirs move quickly in the open or jungle habitat and live from sea level to almost 15,000 feet.
• Tapirs are good swimmers.
• The female has one baby after a 400 day gestation period.

• Animal Diversity Web
• The Jackson Zoo
• Tapir Gallery