Tapirus indicus

(Desmarest, 1819)

Vernacular names
English : Malayan tapir
French : Tapir à chabraque, Tapir malais

Classification
Class : Mammalia
Order : Perissodactyla
Family : Tapiridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The largest tapir species, reaching 300 cm in length, shoulder height of 130 cm and weight up to 400 kg. Unmistakable, mostly jet black with dirty white flanks, back and rump. Ears with white tips. Trunk is elongated and fully black.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in southeast Asia, from southwest Thailand to Peninsular Malaysia and on Sumatra, except in the extreme north of the island. Lives in primary and old secondary tropical lowland moist forest, to 1500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is endangered because of habitat loss and hunting. These threats are still very much presents and more declines are expected to occur.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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