South American Tapir

Tapirus terrestris

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Mammalia · Perissodactyla · Tapiridae

About

The South American tapir, also commonly called the Brazilian tapir, the Amazonian tapir, the maned tapir, the lowland tapir, anta, and la sachavaca, is one of the four recognized species in the tapir family. It is the largest surviving native terrestrial mammal in the Amazon.

Fun Fact

South American tapirs are 'gardeners of the forest' — they disperse seeds of over 70 plant species in their dung, and some forest trees rely almost exclusively on tapirs for seed distribution.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Tropical forests and wetlands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

25-30 years

Threats

Illegal Wildlife Trade
Habitat Fragmentation
Deforestation

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

More Mammals Species

Abbott's Duiker EN Abbott's Gibbon EN Addax CR African Elephant EN African Forest Elephant CR African Wild Ass CR

Browse all Mammals →