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Tapirs may look like a mix between a pig, an elephant, and an anteater, but they're truly one of nature’s most unique creatures! These ancient mammals have roamed the Earth for millions of years, yet they remain mysterious to many. With their adorable mini trunks, surprising swimming skills, and adorably patterned babies, tapirs are full of fun and fascinating traits.
From their important role in rainforests to their deep connections with indigenous cultures, click on to discover some amazing tapir trivia!
Tapirs have been around for over 20 million years, making them living fossils! They've changed very little since prehistoric times, outlasting many other ancient species.
The word "tapir" comes from the Portuguese terms tapir and tapira, which originate from the indigenous Tupi language, specifically the term tapi'ira.
That cute, flexible snout isn't just for show! Tapirs use their mini trunk to grab leaves, pluck fruit, and even snorkel while swimming.
Despite their bulky, pig-like bodies, tapirs are surprisingly stealthy. They move silently through dense forests, avoiding predators with ninja-like skills.
There are four species of tapirs: the Brazilian, Malayan, Baird's (pictured), and mountain tapir. Each has unique markings, but they all share that adorable prehensile snout!
Also called the South American tapir, this species is found in rainforests, swamps, and grasslands. It's an excellent swimmer and plays a key role in seed dispersal.
The largest tapir species, it has a distinctive black-and-white "tuxedo" coat for camouflage. Found in Southeast Asia, it's the only tapir outside the Americas.
Native to Central America, this tapir has a dark brown coat and light facial markings. It's an important rainforest gardener, but deforestation and poaching have made it endangered.
The smallest and only woolly tapir, it thrives in the Andean cloud forests. Its thick fur helps it survive in cold, high-altitude environments.
Baby tapirs are born with white spots and stripes. This adorable pattern helps them stay hidden in the underbrush.
Tapirs are excellent swimmers and divers! They cool off in rivers, escape predators, and even eat aquatic plants while submerged.
Tapirs make some of the cutest noises, including high-pitched whistles, squeaks, and snorts to communicate with each other.
Tapirs eat fruit and disperse seeds through their poop, helping new plants grow. They're essential for keeping rainforests lush and diverse.
An adult tapir can eat as much as 75 pounds (34 kilograms) of food in a single day.
Though they can weigh up to 700 pounds (318 kg), tapirs can run surprisingly fast, especially when startled. They can bolt through dense forests at high speeds.
Their trunks double as snorkels, letting them breathe while wading through rivers. This makes them excellent at underwater escapes.
Despite looking like a mix between a pig and an anteater, tapirs are actually closely related to horses and rhinoceroses.
Tapirs have a fantastic sense of smell, which they use to find food, detect danger, and even recognize other tapirs.
Tapirs are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they prefer to roam at night or during dawn and dusk to avoid predators.
Tapirs have been depicted in ancient Mesoamerican art, proving that humans have been fascinated by them for centuries.
Under good conditions, a healthy female tapir can reproduce every two years, carrying her baby for 13 and a half months. This is one of the longest pregnancies in the animal kingdom!
Tapir babies stay with their mothers for 12 to 18 months, learning survival skills. They are fully weaned by then, but often remain close to their mom for safety and guidance.
Tapirs love rolling in mud, which helps them stay cool and protects them from insects and sunburn.
Tapirs are mostly solitary, preferring to roam alone except when mating or raising young.
Though they're peaceful creatures, tapirs can defend themselves fiercely, using their strong jaws and sharp teeth if needed.
Tapirs use their urine to mark their territory, leaving scent trails for others to follow.
Many indigenous cultures in South America, such as the Tupi, Guarani, and Yanomami, consider tapirs spirit animals. They appear in myths, legends, and folklore as symbols of strength and protection.
Sadly, all four tapir species are threatened or endangered due to deforestation and hunting. Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival.
Tapirs typically live 25 to 30 years in the wild, though predators and habitat loss can shorten their lifespan. In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 35 years.
Sources: (National Geographic) (Treehugger) (Live Science)
See also: Animals that came back from the brink of extinction
Tapir trivia: fun and fascinating facts about these unique creatures
Learn more about these living fossils from millions of years ago
LIFESTYLE Wildlife
Tapirs may look like a mix between a pig, an elephant, and an anteater, but they're truly one of nature’s most unique creatures! These ancient mammals have roamed the Earth for millions of years, yet they remain mysterious to many. With their adorable mini trunks, surprising swimming skills, and adorably patterned babies, tapirs are full of fun and fascinating traits.
From their important role in rainforests to their deep connections with indigenous cultures, click on to discover some amazing tapir trivia!