Mountain Tapir
Tapirus pinchaque
WILD STATUS
Endangered
Endangered
DISTRIBUTION
The Mountain Tapir is found in the Andes in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
SIZE
Weighs between 225-250 kg (496-551 lbs)
HABITAT
Mountain Tapirs are mostly found high in the mountains at 2000 to 4300 metres. They live in temperate sub-alpine paramos, mountain cloud forest and mountainous sub-tropical regions.
REPRODUCTION
Breeding occurs throughout the year and one calf is born after a 390-400 day gestation period.
DIET
Life expectancy: 20-30 years. Breeding occurs throughout the year and one calf is born after a 390-400 day gestation period.
Breeding occurs throughout the year and one calf is born after a 390-400 day gestation period.
DIET
Life expectancy: 20-30 years. Breeding occurs throughout the year and one calf is born after a 390-400 day gestation period.
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- The Mountain Tapir is an ancient species and is one of the ancestors of the modern horse.
- Other Mountain tapir relatives include the rhinoceros.
- Vocalization is a series of squeaking and chirping sounds which travel over great distances.
- Tapirs are the only species which can swim as fast as they can run. They are also very adept climbers and can scale hills and fences with ease.
- They will run to water when threatened or scared.
- Tapirs have a prehensile nose which enables them to grasp and pull vegetation to their mouth.
- Tapirs crash through the jungle. They create a system of tunnels and trails in jungle undergrowth.
- Mountain tapirs have the longest hair of the tapir family, about one inch long similar in texture to bear fur.
- Much of the tapirs’ habitat has been destroyed by slash and burn agriculture.
- Tapirs are often hunted by humans, their snout and hoofs are thought to cure disease.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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