The tapir is an animal native to South America and Asia. It is a mammal that belongs to the family of the tapirids and to the order of the perissodactyls (in which we find species that have an odd number of fingers, which end in hooves).
The tapir is the only genus (called Tapirus) of the tapir family that is still living: the rest of the genera are extinct. The closest current relative of the tapir is the rhinoceros. The tapir takes refuge in bodies of water and is able to satisfy its physiological needs, something that the hippopotamus also does. In addition, it has a great ability to swim, being a remarkable attraction for morning baths, which refresh it and rid it of parasites and insects, taking advantage of it to feed on aquatic plants.
Like many other species, the tapir is in danger of extinction, and this is due to the destructive action of man, both by hunting and by the elimination of their natural environments. In some of its habitats it is estimated that in the last century there has been a decrease of nearly 50% of its population, so it is a truly worrying situation. Tapirs can be up to one meter tall, weigh three hundred kilograms and measure more than two meters long. They are characterized by their elongated snout, similar to a trunk, which allows them to feed on roots and leaves, and even aquatic plants. It should be noted that the tapir is a herbivorous animal. Another peculiarity of tapirs is that they have three toes on their back feet and four on their front feet. Among the predators of the tapir we can mention the jaguar and the tiger. The human being is also a predator of the tapir. In several cultures, its meat is consumed, which is usually roasted or subjected to a dehydration process to obtain cecina. Tapir leather is used to make belts, shoes, riding crops, and belts. Regarding its behavior and conduct, the tapir usually spends a lot of time in the mud and water. They have diurnal habits, although in a situation of danger they are prone to move at night. The tapir is a solitary animal, a characteristic that only changes during the reproductive period. In general, and especially in its natural habitat, this animal tends to remain solitary; The same does not happen during the mating or breeding season, when the females accompany their young. In areas where the grass is very rich and abundant, it may happen that three or more tapirs gather to enjoy a good natural feast, although this is not so common.
The tapir needs to mark its territory, and to do this it uses its urine and scent markings, which it imprints with the help of glands on its face. Its body is resistant and reflects the characteristics of the forests in which it must live. Throughout his walks, he carves paths very deep into the undergrowth, allowing him to walk the same path with ease. Since not all humans are enemies of the tapir, she fears no one; in fact, if you don’t feel threatened, you can show curiosity about our species or just walk past us as if we weren’t there. When she holds it for him, the tapir moves calmly and confidently, sniffing the ground with the help of its characteristic trunk.
