This remarkable photo was taken using a wildlife camera trap installed by park rangers at Khao Sok National Park. The camera caught a tapir roaming near a water source and feeding area designated for the region’s wildlife.
What animal has a pig-like face, rhino-like feet, an elephant-like trunk, and a short bear-like tail? The answer is none other than the extraordinary Tapir!
A creature with such a distinctive look can only be the tapir.
The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is a large herbivorous mammal known for its striking black-and-white coloration. It typically grows up to 2 meters in length, stands about 1 meter tall at the shoulder, and weighs between 150 to 300 kilograms. Unlike other tapir species, the Malayan tapir features a characteristic white band across its midsection. Tapirs have short, coarse fur, rounded ears with white edges, a plump rear, and a short, sturdy tail. Their front legs have four toes, while the back legs have three, helping them navigate muddy and soft terrain. Juvenile tapirs have striped and spotted coats, providing natural camouflage in the dense forest.
Tapirs are mostly solitary and thrive in humid, forested environments near water sources. They use their flexible, trunk-like snouts to forage for leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants, sometimes consuming toxic vegetation that other animals avoid. Despite their large size, they are excellent swimmers and often wallow in mud to regulate body temperature and protect against parasites. With poor eyesight, tapirs rely on their keen sense of smell and hearing to navigate their surroundings. At birth, tapir calves display a distinctive striped pattern, similar to that of young wild boars, which fades as they mature.
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