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Ancient survivors -

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.

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The origins of the name -

The word "tapir" comes from the Portuguese terms tapir and tapira, which originate from the indigenous Tupi language, specifically the term tapi'ira.

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Mini trunk masters -

That cute, flexible snout isn't just for show! Tapirs use their mini trunk to grab leaves, pluck fruit, and even snorkel while swimming.

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Hidden jungle giants -

Despite their bulky, pig-like bodies, tapirs are surprisingly stealthy. They move silently through dense forests, avoiding predators with ninja-like skills.

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Four species, one family -

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!

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Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris) -

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.

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Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) -

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.

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Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) -

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.

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Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) -

The smallest and only woolly tapir, it thrives in the Andean cloud forests. Its thick fur helps it survive in cold, high-altitude environments.

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Newborn patterns -

Baby tapirs are born with white spots and stripes. This adorable pattern helps them stay hidden in the underbrush.

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Tapirs love a good swim -

Tapirs are excellent swimmers and divers! They cool off in rivers, escape predators, and even eat aquatic plants while submerged.

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They can whistle -

Tapirs make some of the cutest noises, including high-pitched whistles, squeaks, and snorts to communicate with each other.

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Nature's gardeners -

Tapirs eat fruit and disperse seeds through their poop, helping new plants grow. They're essential for keeping rainforests lush and diverse.

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They are big foodies -

An adult tapir can eat as much as 75 pounds (34 kilograms) of food in a single day.

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Speedy despite their size -

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.

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Tapirs have built-in snorkels -

Their trunks double as snorkels, letting them breathe while wading through rivers. This makes them excellent at underwater escapes.

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They're related to horses and rhinos -

Despite looking like a mix between a pig and an anteater, tapirs are actually closely related to horses and rhinoceroses.

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Excellent at smelling -

Tapirs have a fantastic sense of smell, which they use to find food, detect danger, and even recognize other tapirs.

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Night owls of the jungle -

Tapirs are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they prefer to roam at night or during dawn and dusk to avoid predators.

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Ancient art inspiration -

Tapirs have been depicted in ancient Mesoamerican art, proving that humans have been fascinated by them for centuries.

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A long pregnancy -

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!

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Tapir babies and their moms -

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.

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Built for mud baths -

Tapirs love rolling in mud, which helps them stay cool and protects them from insects and sunburn.

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Loners by nature -

Tapirs are mostly solitary, preferring to roam alone except when mating or raising young.

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Shy but tough -

Though they're peaceful creatures, tapirs can defend themselves fiercely, using their strong jaws and sharp teeth if needed.

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They mark their territory -

Tapirs use their urine to mark their territory, leaving scent trails for others to follow.

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Important to indigenous culture -

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.

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Threatened by habitat loss -

Sadly, all four tapir species are threatened or endangered due to deforestation and hunting. Conservation efforts are crucial for their survival.

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Average life span -

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

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