DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
South America. Wetlands, lowland wet forests near water reservoirs. .
BEHAVIOUR
Loner, mates during the mating season. During the day it rests in the bushes. After dusk and at night, it often travels along the river bed in search of its favorite aquatic plants. It swims well, frequent bathing in water allows you to get rid of skin parasites, moreover, they are a way to hide from a land predator – a jaguar or a puma.
DIET
Shrub leaves, lianas, reeds, young trees, tree bark, fruit.
REPRODUCTION
After 13 months of pregnancy, the female gives birth to 1 young, which becomes independent at the age of 7 months. Life expectancy: up to 30 years.
GOOD TO KNOW
The main threats to the species are: loss of habitats through deforestation, hunting for meat, road accidents.
- Latin name: Tapirus terrestris
- IUCN Red List – VU (Vurnerable)
- CITES – Appendix II
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