Malayan Tapir

The Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) is a large, herbivorous mammal native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is easily recognizable by its unique black-and-white coat, which helps to camouflage it in the dappled light of the forest.

The Malayan Tapir is a solitary and nocturnal animal. Like other tapirs, it has a short, flexible, and prehensile snout that it uses to grab leaves and fruit. It is an excellent swimmer and often takes to the water to escape predators or cool off.

The Malayan Tapir is an endangered species, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching.

Malayan Tapir

Malayan Tapir

Classification

Mammalia > Perissodactyla > Tapiridae > Tapirus > T. indicus

Native To

Conservation Status

Average Height

3 - 3.5 feet
(0.9 - 1.1 m)

Average Weight

550 - 700 lbs
(250 - 320 kg)

Average Life Span

25 - 30 years

Gestation Period

390 - 400 days

Diet

Herbivore (leaves, shoots)

Social Structure

Solitary

Did You Know?

The Malayan Tapir is the largest of the four tapir species and is easily recognized by its distinctive black and white coloration, which helps it camouflage in the dappled light of the forest.

They have a short, prehensile snout that they use to grab leaves and fruit.

Malayan Tapirs are excellent swimmers and often spend time in water to cool off and escape predators.

They are solitary animals, primarily active at night, and communicate through a variety of squeaks and whistles.

A baby Malayan Tapir is born with a spotted and striped coat, which helps it blend into its surroundings, and gradually loses this pattern as it grows.

Photo Gallery

No images provided yet. Be the first to upload one!