Where does the Malayan tapir live?
The Malayan tapir lives in South-East Asia, from the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra. It is the only living tapir outside the Americas. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland tropical forests. It is easily identified by its large light patch that extends from its shoulders to its hindquarters: black hair covers its head, shoulders and legs, and white hair covers its midsection, rear and the tips of its ears.
What does the Malayan tapir eat?
It is exclusively herbivorous: it forages for the tender shoots and leaves of more than 115 plant species, of which around 30 are particularly preferred. It moves slowly through the forest, pausing often to eat and to sniff the scents left by other tapirs. It is mainly active at night, and often eats soon after sunset or before sunrise. Its disrupted coloration serves as camouflage: when it sleeps, a predator may mistake it for a large rock.
Is the Malayan tapir endangered?
Yes: the IUCN has listed it as Endangered since 2008, as the population is estimated at fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. It is the largest of the four living tapirs: 1.8 to 2.5 m long and 90 to 110 cm tall, typically 250 to 320 kg, and up to 540 kg for some adults.
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