Main Characteristics

Baird's Tapirs are the largest of the American tapirs. They have a body length up to 2 m (6.5 ft), a tail length between 7 and 13 cms (2.75 - 5 inches) and they weigh between 240 and 400 kgs (530 - 880 lbs).

Their short, sparse hair is dark brown in colour and they have pale coloured cheeks and throat. Their ears are large and are coloured white on the rims, they have small eyes and a large proboscis.

They are generally silent but communicate with their young using shrill whistles.

Habitat

Baird's Tapirs are found in the swamps and forests of central and northern South America. They are active at night and spend their days resting among thick vegetation.

Diet

Baird's Tapirs feed on leaves, twigs, seeds and fruit.

Breeding

Baird's Tapirs breed at any time of the year and after a gestation period of 390 - 400 days, 1 young (very rarely 2) is born. They stay with their mother for 6 - 8 months.

Predators

Humans are the main predators of Baird's Tapirs.

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of Baird's Tapir.

Interesting Facts

Baird's Tapir was named for the American naturalist Spencer Fullerton Baird.

Baird's Tapirs are also known as:
Danta
Anteburro (regions around Oaxaca & Veracruz)
Macho de Monte (Costa Rica, Panama & Columbia)
Mountain Cow (Belize)
Central American Tapir

Baird's Tapir is the national animal of Belize.

Similar Animals

Malayan Tapir
Mountain Tapir
Brazilian Tapir