AoTW: Day of the Tapiridae

 World Tapir Day - 27th April

The first of my belated entries! On April 27th it was World Tapir Day. This is a day that is new to me, so I think its worthwhile advertising.

The primary purpose for the day is to raise awareness about the four tapir species. Tapirs inhabit Central & South America and South-East Asia & all 4 species are thought to be in decline. Estimations place the mountain tapir as going extinct within the next 20 years. The Baird's tapir is facing a similar threat in its home range with the Malayan tapir and Brazilian tapir facing threats from severe habitat destruction.

The tapir is a large herbivorous ungulate and are one of the first species to be affected by human encroachment into their territory and one of the last to return once habitat has regrown. Tapirs live in habitat that ranges from jungles and grasslands to swamps and cloud forests, each of which is threatened by human activity, either mining, deforestation, palm oil plantations or roads & settlements. The reason the decline of the tapir is one that should be acknowledged is that like many other animals, they are a vital cog in the ecosystem machines of where they live, they act as important seed dispersers and are one of the oldest surviving genera in the animal kingdom. Despite their importance it is startling how little recognition these animals receive despite their presumably charismatic appearance. The threat posed towards the tapir is symbolic of the wider threat to their habitats and their decline is indicative of the general health of the habitat. 

If you would like to read a bit more on the significance of the day and the sorts of projects and events that take place, check out their website or Facebook page.

Website: http://www.tapirday.org/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WorldTapirDay

Tapir Species

Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque)

The mountain tapir is a 'living fossil' and is the smallest of the 4 surviving species that represents the remnants of a lineage that evolved 55 million years ago. It has thick, woolly reddish-brown to black fur, with white tipped ears and a whitish band between the feet and hooves in some instances and white lips.

Copyright: Katherine Davis

Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terristris)

This bristly coated tapir varies from dark brown to greyish-brown and has a dark underside and legs with lighter cheeks, throat and upper lips. Newborns have a dark brown coat with white spots and stripes which provide camouflage. A prominent erect mane sits on top of the crest and extends from the forehead to shoulders. This is much more pronounced than other tapir species making it look stockier in appearance.

Copyright: Animals World 2011-2014

Bairds Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)

Is the largest of the American tapirs and is the largest indigenous mammal in Central America. This tapir has changed little in body shape over the past 35 million years. Although it is thought the proboscis may be a more recent adaptation. It has a barrel shaped body and stocky legs. Adults have short dark hair and grey coloured skin, apart from pale grey-yellow cheeks and throat and white tipped ears.  

Copyright: Eric Kilby

Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)

It has an unmistakable two-tone pattern distinguishes this tapir from others. It is the only old world tapir and is the largest of all 4 species, they possess a stocky black body with a prominent white 'saddle' over the back which extend down the sides and around the body. The disruptive colouration helps break up the body outline in shady and moonlit forests.

Copyright: Animalphotos.me

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