The Tapir is a primitive animal, which has remained largely unchanged for millions of years! The Malayan Tapir is the largest of 4 Tapir species, and is the only species found in Asia - specifically, the rainforests of Sumatra, Burma, Malaysia, and Thailand. 

Tapirs are odd-toed ungulates, most closely related to the horse and rhinoceros. They have 4 toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their back feet; each toe ends in a hoof. The Tapir’s nose and upper lip combine into a flexible snout, much like that of an elephant trunk. This snout can be used to grab items of food, detect odours, and even as a snorkel when they are underwater! It is so flexible that they are able to explore a circle of ground 1 foot in diameter (30 cm) without having to move their head.

Tapirs prefer wooded or grassy areas, with plenty of shelter, normally by a lake, river, or pond. They adore the water, often walking along the bottom at night - eating aquatic plants, cooling themselves, and washing away parasites - much in the same way hippos do. They sometimes use water as a place of safety when escaping predators (such as big cats), too. Tapirs are not helpless though, and will defend themselves by snapping and biting; their thick hide also serves as a deterrent. Calves are able to swim from just a few days old.

Female Tapir are typically larger than males, and breed every other year. Calves are born a reddish-brown colour with a combination of beige/white stripes and spots (perfect camouflage in dappled light), they acquire their distinctive black and white adult coat at around 4-to-7 months, and remain with their mother for approximately 6-to-8 months. The calf will continue nursing until the mother either runs out of milk, or until her next calf is born. They reach full size at 18 months; however, they are not considered fully mature until they are 2-to-4 years old.

It was once believed that tapirs were solitary animals, with the exception of breeding and raising young; however, more recent studies have discovered that they often graze/browse together in pairs or small groups, traveling over large ranges together.

Tapirs communicate via a variety of different ways, the most common being a high-pitched whistle. Many have likened this whistle to sounding like car breaks screeching to a halt! They also mark scent trails through the forest by urinating. When they feel threatened or are preparing to defend themselves, their stamp their feet and snort.

Tapirs play an essential role in maintaining the health of the rainforest, dispersing and fertilising seeds as they defecate. During a recent study, researchers found 122 different species of seeds in their dung! Furthermore, they are reliable biological indicators, revealing the health and vitality of an area. This is because they are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and are among the first animal species to suffer when things are amiss. Due to their large size, slow reproductive rates, shyness, and sensitivity to their environment, they are especially affected by human-related disturbances. 

It is estimated that there are only around 2499 Malayan Tapir living in the wild; however, their numbers are decreasing. Hunting has become an increasing issue - humans will kill Tapir for their meat, hide, and - in certain places - even for sport. Furthermore, there have been reports of live Tapirs being illegally captured and traded, most likely destined for private collections or meat markets. However, one of the biggest reasons for Tapir decline is that their habitat is being destroyed and fragmented by humans, to make way for things like agriculture (especially Palm Oil and Rubber). As they are shy, they prefer to travel where there is cover; they are best adapted to living in primary or old-growth forest (with permanent water sources), so when humans remove trees and create open spaces, it makes the Tapir reluctant to travel beyond the safety of the trees; consequently, reducing their overall range and potential genetic diversity. 

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