Mountain Tapir

Tapirus pinchaque

Conservation Status

Endangered

Mammalia · Perissodactyla · Tapiridae

About

The mountain tapir, also known as the Andean tapir or woolly tapir, is the smallest of the four widely recognized species of tapir. It is found only in certain portions of the Andean Mountain Range in northwestern South America. As such, it is the only tapir species to live outside of tropical rainforests in the wild. It is most easily distinguished from other tapirs by its thick woolly coat and white lips.

Fun Fact

Mountain tapirs live at higher altitudes than any other tapir species — up to 4,700 metres in the Andes — and they have a thick, woolly coat to insulate against freezing Andean nights.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Cloud forests and páramo

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

25-30 years

Threats

Habitat Fragmentation
Illegal Wildlife Trade
Illegal Logging
Deforestation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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