A relatively large mammal growing to a height of 75cm to 120cm (29in to 47 in) and to a weight of 225kg to 300kg (500lb to 600lb), these nocturnal animals feed on leaves, grass, aquatic vegetation, soft twigs, and fruit,using their short flexible snouts to roll up leaves and other vegetation.When tapirs are threatened, they flee to the water or into dense underbrush for safety. Their squeal seems to be a means of communication with other members of the family group in the thick foliage of the rain forest.
Today, there are large forest reserves in Belize to protect the remaining populations of Tapir's. The main threats to their survival is hunting and deforestation. Tapirs are usually solitary except when mothers have young. They range over large territories and are excellent swimmers spending a fair amount of time in forest rivers. They are also agile climbers, crashing up steep hillsides and river banks with apparent ease. When surprised, tapirs generally head for water, but will sometimes stamp their feet loudly and sometimes whistle.
Although tapirs were once widespread, only four species endured into the modern world: three in Central America and the warmer parts of South America, and one in Southeast Asia. Tapirs are forest animals that love water. They frequently live in dry land forests, tapirs with access to lakes or rivers spend a good deal of time in and under the water, feeding on soft vegetation and taking refuge from predators. Despite being taken by bears, crocodiles, anacondas, tigers and other big cats, the tapirs major predators are human.
Hunting for meat and hides has substantially reduced their numbers and, more recently, massive habitat loss has resulted in the conservation watch-listing of all four species: the Brazilian Tapir is classified as lower risk, near threatened; both the Baird's Tapir and the Malayan Tapir are classified as vulnerable; and the Mountain Tapir is endangered. To escape danger, tapirs find a stream or river to enter and then walks underwater to the other side of the river. Tapirs are herbivores, meaning they eat plants and not other animals. Hunting and habitat loss are the main reasons the tapir population is decreasing all over Central America.
The tapir is an extra special animal for its importance to Belize. The protection and of these precious animals is vital and we must all do our part in helping with the conservation process. This National Animal is protected under the law, making the hunting of the tapir illegal.
