Tapirs are interesting creatures that are bizarre looking, while they play a major role within their habitats such as, seed dispersal and nutrient recycling. Although, Tapirs have also become endangered as well as in need of conservation. In spite of this, many don’t know what a Tapir is, what is threatening them, or their role within the habitats. Tapir has the build of a pig combined with the snout that is similar like an elephant, also has striped or spotted coats that camouflage them within the forests (Bioexpedition). In addition, thick wooly long fur and the ears are oval and thin as well as sharp teeth (BioExpedition). The Tapir is a mammal that is in the Order Perissodactyla within the Genus Tapiroidea, where there are four known species, which they are Mountain Tapir, Malayan Tapir, Lowland Tapir, and
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Within each location the Tapir lives a solitary life until it is time to breed, which only happens every two years when they reach between the ages of three or five. During their courtship, they take part where the males compete and the female’s select, of which the female will produce one offspring although twins are rare. In addition, the average lifespan of a Tapir for both the wild as well as in captivity is 30 years. Like many other endangered species, the Tapir all four species are threatened due to habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching. While there are laws that prohibit hunting them; however, these laws are not enforced. In addition, because of their low reproductive rates it would be hard for the Tapirs to regain a steady population to continue within their habitats. The roles that Tapirs play within their ecosystems are vital such as, seed dispersal, nutrient recycling and shape and maintain tropical ecosystems. Tapirs are a prime food source for large predators. More than that the Tapirs have also been known to carry parasites and
Within each location the Tapir lives a solitary life until it is time to breed, which only happens every two years when they reach between the ages of three or five. During their courtship, they take part where the males compete and the female’s select, of which the female will produce one offspring although twins are rare. In addition, the average lifespan of a Tapir for both the wild as well as in captivity is 30 years. Like many other endangered species, the Tapir all four species are threatened due to habitat loss, fragmentation and poaching. While there are laws that prohibit hunting them; however, these laws are not enforced. In addition, because of their low reproductive rates it would be hard for the Tapirs to regain a steady population to continue within their habitats. The roles that Tapirs play within their ecosystems are vital such as, seed dispersal, nutrient recycling and shape and maintain tropical ecosystems. Tapirs are a prime food source for large predators. More than that the Tapirs have also been known to carry parasites and