| Latin Name |
Tapirus pinchaque |
| Conservation Status |
Endangered |
| Location
| N W South America |
| Colour |
Dark Brown |
| Length |
1.8 m (6 ft) |
| Tail |
5 - 10 cms (2 - 4 inches) |
| Weight |
Up to 200 Kgs (440 lbs) |
| Life Expectancy |
30 Yrs |
Main Characteristics
Mountain Tapirs are the smallest species of tapir. They have a body length of 1.8 m (6 ft), a tail length between 5 and 10 cms (2 - 4 inches) and they weigh up to 200 kgs (440 lbs).
Their wooly coat 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.
Habitat
Mountain Tapirs are found in the forests and grasslands of the Andes at altitudes over 2,000 m (6,560 ft). They are active at night and spend their days resting among thick vegetation.
Diet
Mountain Tapirs feed on leaves, shrubs, seeds and grasses.
Breeding
After a gestation period of 390 - 400 days, Mountain Tapirs give birth to a single young. They are weaned by the time they reach a year old.
They reach sexual maturity at 3 - 4 years of age and females produce offspring every other year.
Predators
Humans, mountain lions and jaguars are the main predators of Mountain Tapirs.
Interesting Facts
Mountain Tapirs are also known as:
Wooly Tapir
There are three other species of tapir:
Malayan Tapir
Baird's Tapir
Brazilian Tapir
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