Amazon Tapir

Genus:…….. Tapirus Range:…….. Central America to South Brazil Size: Head and Body Length 1.7 – 2.0 metres Diet: Grass and Fruits Active: Nocturnal and Diurnal Chance To See Wild: Manu Wildlife Center

Amazon Tapir are large, pony-sized, hoofed animals and are the largest terrestrial mammal in South America.

There are three species of tapir in the New World with one species in Asia. Amazon Tapirs have a blackish brown colouration, an elongated downward curving lower lip, and very thick skin.

They are solitary animals but non-territorial. Despite a bulky body, they can successfully negotiate tricky terrain, including close-to-vertical slippery hills. The tapir diet consists of grass and fruits found in the forests of South America, the tapir’s natural habitat

Tapir Calls and Defense

Amazon Tapir communicate with a whistling sound, which is often mimicked by hunters who attract and shoot them for meat. When surprised, they stamp their feet and rapidly run into water if necessary, flattening everything in their path.

Best Places to See Wild Tapir

A good place to visit for viewing wild Amazon Tapir is the Manu Wildlife Center.



More Rainforest Animals
Back to Mammals
Giant Otters
Capybara
Jaguar



Related Pages
1. The Tahuayo Lodge and Primate Research Center
2. Manu Wildlife Center
3. Manu Nature Tours
4. Tourism in the Amazon Rainforest