Tapirs | Tapiridae

Tapirs | Tapiridae

Description
Description

Tapirs belong to the Tapiridae family, a group of large, herbivorous mammals recognized by their distinctive snouts. These prehensile snouts are akin to a shortened elephant trunk, aiding in foraging for leaves, fruits, and branches. There are four species of tapirs, distributed in Central and South America and Southeast Asia. They inhabit diverse environments, from tropical rainforests to grasslands. Evolutionarily ancient, tapirs have changed little over tens of millions of years, resembling their early ancestors. Despite their resilience across epochs, modern tapirs face significant threats from habitat destruction and hunting, leading to their current status as endangered species.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Tapirs are stocky, barrel-shaped animals with short, sturdy legs and rounded ears. Their most notable feature is their elongated snout, which is flexible and can move in all directions, aiding in grasping vegetation. Tapirs have tough skin, often with a sparse covering of fur, varying in color depending on the species. They are surprisingly agile movers, capable of quick, nimble maneuvers despite their bulky appearance. Tapirs are mostly silent but can produce whistles and squeaks for communication. They have keen senses of smell and hearing, essential for navigating their often dense, forested habitats and detecting predators.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The relationship between humans and tapirs is complex, historically involving hunting and habitat encroachment, which have significantly threatened tapir populations. In some cultures, tapirs are hunted for meat and are subjects of local folklore and mythology, representing various symbolic roles. In pop culture, tapirs are less prominent but occasionally feature in animation and literature, often highlighting their unique appearance and gentle nature.

Conservation efforts are crucial for tapirs, with various organizations working to protect their habitats and implement breeding programs. These endeavors aim to raise awareness and appreciation for these ancient, elusive creatures, ensuring their survival in the wild.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What are tapirs related to?

If you thought tapirs might be relatives of pigs, you are wrong. Scientists say their close relatives are rhinos and horses. Their bodies, which resemble that of a pig or wild hogs with anteater snouts, haven’t changed much over the years. Because of this, they are also called ‘living fossils.’

Why are tapirs endangered?

The biggest problem of tapirs is that they have a slow reproduction rate and are sensitive to habitual destruction. This is leading to their slow extinction in their natural habitat of South and Central America and Southeast Asia. Humans are the ones leading this extinction by disturbing the forest ecosystem and poaching them.

What do tapirs do at night?

Tapirs are active at night. This is the time they eat and take a dip in the lake or pond. During the day, they will sleep in a place with shelter or underwater to avoid predation. However, the smaller mountain tapir found in the Andes behaves differently, as it is most active during the day.

Animals

* Under Development *

39.4”-51.2” | 100-130 cm
16.5”-22.4” | 42-57 cm
70.9”-98.4” | 180-250 cm
331-661 lb | 150-300 kg
20-30 years
Baird's Tapir
130.000
57.000
250.000
300.000
30.00
750
GUIDE
3D
Baird's Tapir
39.4”-47.2” | 100-120 cm
15.75”-18.9” | 40-48 cm
70.9”-87” | 180-221 cm
397-705 lb | 180-320 kg
25-40 years
Brazilian Tapir
120.000
48.000
221.000
320.000
40.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Brazilian Tapir
18.9”-29.1” | 48-74 cm
9.8”-15” | 25-38 cm
32.7”-51.2” | 83-130 cm
220-243 lb | 100-110 kg
25-35 years
Kabomani Tapir
74.000
38.000
130.000
110.000
35.00
280
GUIDE
3D
Kabomani Tapir
40.2”-51.2” | 102-130 cm
19.3”-24.4” | 49-62 cm
72.8”-94.5” | 185-240 cm
551-882 lb | 250-400 kg
25-37 years
Malayan Tapir
130.000
62.000
240.000
400.000
37.00
13200
GUIDE
3D
Malayan Tapir
35.4”-44.5” | 90-113 cm
18.9”-21.7” | 48-55 cm
70.9”-78.7” | 180-200 cm
300-551 lb | 136-250 kg
28-30 years
Mountain Tapir
113.000
55.000
200.000
250.000
30.00
2900
GUIDE
3D
Mountain Tapir
Kabomani Tapir (Tapirus kabomani)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Kabomani Tapir compared to simliar Hyrax species

The Kabomani Tapir (Tapirus kabomani) coexists in the same environment as the lowland tapir in the Amazon rainforest. It is the smallest tapir in the Tapiridae family feeding mostly at night. The body hair can be dark gray to dark brown and the legs are short. Females are considered larger than males. Another feature females have is a light throat patch running from the chin to the neck and the base of the ears. It prefers open grasslands and forests. Like other tapirs, it still has an impressively flexible proboscis, shy, elusive, and an excellent swimmer.

Kabomani Tapirs have a total body length between 32.7”-51.2” (83-130 cm), standing shoulder height of 18.9”-29.1” (48-74 cm), and body width of 9.8”-15” (25-38 cm). The typical weight of the Kabomani Tapir is in the range of 220-243 lb (100-110 kg). Kabomani Tapir have lifespans between 25-35 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Kabomani Tapir in front and side poses
The Kabomani Tapir (Tapirus kabomani) coexists in the same environment as the lowland tapir in the Amazon rainforest. It is the smallest tapir in the Tapiridae family feeding mostly at night. The body hair can be dark gray to dark brown and the legs are short. Females are considered larger.

Kabomani Tapirs have a total body length between 32.7”-51.2” (83-130 cm), standing shoulder height of 18.9”-29.1” (48-74 cm), and body width of 9.8”-15” (25-38 cm). The typical weight of the Kabomani Tapir is in the range of 220-243 lb (100-110 kg). Kabomani Tapir have lifespans between 25-35 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Kabomani Tapir in front and side poses
Kabomani Tapir (Tapirus kabomani)
Height:
18.9”-29.1” | 48-74 cm
Width:
9.8”-15” | 25-38 cm
Length:
32.7”-51.2” | 83-130 cm
Depth:
Weight:
220-243 lb | 100-110 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tapirus kabomani
Lifespan
25-35 years

Drawings include:

Kabomani Tapir side elevation, front

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Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Malayan Tapir compared to simliar Hyrax species

The Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) is native to Southeast Asia. It is also called the Asian tapir or Indian tapir. It is easily identified by the light-colored patch running from its shoulders to its hindquarters. The rest of the body is covered in black hair, though the tip of the ears have white rims. The eyesight is poor but the smell and hearing is well developed. The front feet have four toes and the back feet three toes. The tail is small and stubby, while the proboscis, like on other tapirs, is long and flexible. It is mostly found in tropical terrestrial rainforests and is the least aquatic in the Tapiridae family.

Malayan Tapirs have a total body length between 72.8”-94.5” (185-240 cm), standing shoulder height of 40.2”-51.2” (102-130 cm), and body width of 19.3”-24.4” (49-62 cm). The typical weight of the Malayan Tapir is in the range of 551-882 lb (250-400 kg). Malayan Tapir have lifespans between 25-37 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Malayan Tapir viewed from the front and side
The Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) is native to Southeast Asia. It is also called the Asian tapir or Indian tapir. It is easily identified by the light-colored patch running from its shoulders to its hindquarters. The rest of the body is covered in black hair, though the tip of the ears have white.

Malayan Tapirs have a total body length between 72.8”-94.5” (185-240 cm), standing shoulder height of 40.2”-51.2” (102-130 cm), and body width of 19.3”-24.4” (49-62 cm). The typical weight of the Malayan Tapir is in the range of 551-882 lb (250-400 kg). Malayan Tapir have lifespans between 25-37 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Malayan Tapir viewed from the front and side
Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)
Height:
40.2”-51.2” | 102-130 cm
Width:
19.3”-24.4” | 49-62 cm
Length:
72.8”-94.5” | 185-240 cm
Depth:
Weight:
551-882 lb | 250-400 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tapirus indicus
Lifespan
25-37 years

Drawings include:

Malayan Tapir side elevation, front

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Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque)
Scale illustration of an average Mountain Tapir compared to other species of Hyrax

The Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) is the second smallest tapir in the Tapiridae family. It inhabits the high northern Andes and cloud forests of Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. These cold areas make them develop thick wooly coats. The Mountain tapir has white lips and a black or solid dark brown coat. The tail is small and stubby, while the proboscis is long and flexible. The neck is short and the legs are slender. The ears are small and round. Besides, their front section is tapered and rear round, making them extremely agile. Females are heavier than males.

Mountain Tapirs have a total body length between 70.9”-78.7” (180-200 cm), standing shoulder height of 35.4”-44.5” (90-113 cm), and body width of 18.9”-21.7” (48-55 cm). The typical weight of the Mountain Tapir is in the range of 300-551 lb (136-250 kg). Mountain Tapir have lifespans between 28-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Mountain Tapir seen from the side and front
The Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) is the second smallest tapir in the Tapiridae family. It inhabits the high northern Andes and cloud forests of Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador. These cold areas make them develop thick wooly coats. The Mountain tapir has white lips and a black or solid brown coat.

Mountain Tapirs have a total body length between 70.9”-78.7” (180-200 cm), standing shoulder height of 35.4”-44.5” (90-113 cm), and body width of 18.9”-21.7” (48-55 cm). The typical weight of the Mountain Tapir is in the range of 300-551 lb (136-250 kg). Mountain Tapir have lifespans between 28-30 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Mountain Tapir seen from the side and front
Mountain Tapir (Tapirus pinchaque)
Height:
35.4”-44.5” | 90-113 cm
Width:
18.9”-21.7” | 48-55 cm
Length:
70.9”-78.7” | 180-200 cm
Depth:
Weight:
300-551 lb | 136-250 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tapirus pinchaque
Lifespan
28-30 years

Drawings include:

Mountain Tapir side elevation, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

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Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Baird's Tapir compared to simliar Hyrax species

The Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is one of the most versatile land mammals in the family Tapiridae. In its native home of Central and South America, it is considered the largest animal. Its close relatives are horses, zebras, and donkeys. It has a tube-like nose made of soft tissues for snatching leaves and stems. The body is covered in dark brown fur and white patches or cream color patches on the throat, tip or ears, and face. It can swim, is agile on land, and can even stand on steep slopes untroubled. This herbivore can be found in grasslands, distributed forests, and rugged mountains. It is solitary with females giving birth to young ones after a 13-month gestation period.

Baird's Tapirs have a total body length between 70.9”-98.4” (180-250 cm), standing shoulder height of 39.4”-51.2” (100-130 cm), and body width of 16.5”-22.4” (42-57 cm). The typical weight of the Baird's Tapir is in the range of 331-661 lb (150-300 kg). Baird's Tapir have lifespans between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Baird's Tapir viewed from the front and side
The Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is one of the most versatile land mammals in the family Tapiridae. In its native home of Central and South America, it is considered the largest animal. Its close relatives are horses, zebras, and donkeys. It has a tube-like nose made of soft tissues.

Baird's Tapirs have a total body length between 70.9”-98.4” (180-250 cm), standing shoulder height of 39.4”-51.2” (100-130 cm), and body width of 16.5”-22.4” (42-57 cm). The typical weight of the Baird's Tapir is in the range of 331-661 lb (150-300 kg). Baird's Tapir have lifespans between 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Baird's Tapir viewed from the front and side
Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
Height:
39.4”-51.2” | 100-130 cm
Width:
16.5”-22.4” | 42-57 cm
Length:
70.9”-98.4” | 180-250 cm
Depth:
Weight:
331-661 lb | 150-300 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tapirus bairdii
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

Baird's Tapir side elevation, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Scale illustration of an average Brazilian Tapir compared to other species of Hyrax

The Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is a species of tapir in the Tapiridae family, mostly found in the Amazon. It is also called the South American tapir, Amazonian tapir, lowland tapir, or manned tapir. You will mostly find it in lowlands, swamps, and mountain forests. An adult Brazilian tapir is either dark brown or red with pronounced proboscis. The top of the head has a hump-like projection, starting from the eyes to the neck. The ears are round and dark, with distinctive white edges. It is herbivores, solitary, and eats at night. Females give birth to live young ones.

Brazilian Tapirs have a total body length between 70.9”-87” (180-221 cm), standing shoulder height of 39.4”-47.2” (100-120 cm), and body width of 15.75”-18.9” (40-48 cm). The typical weight of the Brazilian Tapir is in the range of 397-705 lb (180-320 kg). Brazilian Tapir have lifespans between 25-40 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Brazilian Tapir seen from the side and front
The Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is a species of tapir in the Tapiridae family, mostly found in the Amazon. It is also called the South American tapir, Amazonian tapir, lowland tapir, or manned tapir. You will mostly find it in lowlands, swamps, and mountain forests.

Brazilian Tapirs have a total body length between 70.9”-87” (180-221 cm), standing shoulder height of 39.4”-47.2” (100-120 cm), and body width of 15.75”-18.9” (40-48 cm). The typical weight of the Brazilian Tapir is in the range of 397-705 lb (180-320 kg). Brazilian Tapir have lifespans between 25-40 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Brazilian Tapir seen from the side and front
Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)
Height:
39.4”-47.2” | 100-120 cm
Width:
15.75”-18.9” | 40-48 cm
Length:
70.9”-87” | 180-221 cm
Depth:
Weight:
397-705 lb | 180-320 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Tapirus terrestris
Lifespan
25-40 years

Drawings include:

Brazilian Tapir side elevation, front

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads