Page 52 - World of Animals - Issue #39

TAPIRS
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GUARDIANS OF THE RAINFOREST

While they may look like pigs with trunks, the tapir is an
ancient species that’s essential to the survival of the rainforest

Wo r d s J a m e s B re re t o
Words James Breretonn
Hidden deep within the rainforest lumbers a shadowy a striped appearance, and spend long periods of time
figure. At the size of a large dog, the tapir is a bulky, hiding as they are more vulnerable.

hoofed animal with a nose like a snorkel. Across the Tapirs feed on grasses, leaves, twigs and fruits.
globe, tapirs have relatively few predators in the wild, These animals act as fertilisers of the forest, producing
and are threatened only by tigers, jaguars and leopards. nutrient-rich dung to support the growth of rainforest
The five surviving species of tapir are found plants. As large herbivores, they play a role in raising

throughout the rainforests of South America and new trees; the seeds of eaten fruit have a better chance
Asia. To blend into their dark, jungle habitats, they’ve of germinating after being processed through a tapir’s
developed grey-brown coats and quiet temperaments. digestive system. While the tapir is dependent upon
The only exception, the Malayan tapir, possesses a the rainforest as a place to live, the rainforest also relies
striking white and black colouration. Young tapirs have upon tapirs to fertilise the next generation of trees.

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