Despite the efforts of many organizations to protect endangered species, more and more animals are threatened every day. One such case is the tapir, an ancient and little-known mammal outside of the countries where it lives.
So, why is the tapir endangered? The main causes include hunting for its meat, illegal trafficking, agricultural and forestry exploitation, deforestation for livestock grazing, and large-scale deforestation for urban expansion. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons behind its decline, its main characteristics, and the measures that could save this species.
Tapirs are shy, reclusive animals that live deep inside tropical forests, far from human settlements. They rarely interact with people, which is why they remain relatively unknown worldwide. If you encountered one in the wild, it might not run away but approach out of curiosity.
According to the IUCN Red List, all four surviving tapir species are under threat:
Lowland or Brazilian tapir (Tapirus terrestris): Vulnerable
Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus): Endangered
Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii): Endangered
Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque): Endangered
This means none of the species is safe, and without urgent conservation action, tapirs could vanish completely within a few decades.
Hunting is one of the biggest threats to tapirs:
Meat: In South America, tapir meat is eaten roasted or dried (charqui).
Leather: Their thick, durable hides are used to make shoes, belts, and whips.
Traditional medicine: In some cultures, tapir hooves are believed to cure heart disease, hemorrhages, convulsions, or kidney stones.
Even when tapirs are not killed, illegal trafficking for zoos and private collections further reduces wild populations. Kept in poor conditions, their lifespan (normally up to 30 years in the wild) is often drastically shortened.
Logging: Tropical forests are heavily exploited for exotic woods, destroying vast areas of tapir habitat.
Farming: Deforested land is often converted into large plantations. Excessive use of pesticides pollutes the soil and water, further endangering wildlife.
Uncontrolled deforestation has continued for decades, leaving tapirs increasingly vulnerable.
In addition to agriculture, large tracts of rainforest are cleared for livestock farming. This not only removes essential habitat but also pollutes rivers and wetlands with farm waste, directly affecting the tapir’s aquatic environment.
Rapid human expansion also contributes:
Habitat fragmentation: Forests are cut into small patches, isolating tapir populations.
Loss of green areas: Urban sprawl and road construction reduce oxygen-producing vegetation and increase environmental stress.
In tapir regions, urban growth is an accelerating threat.
Taxonomy: Belongs to the order Perissodactyla (odd-toed ungulates), related to horses, zebras, and rhinos.
Surviving relatives: The rhinoceros is its closest living relative.
Size: Around 2 meters long, weighing 150–300 kg depending on the species.
Distinctive nose: A flexible, short trunk that helps it grab fruit, leaves, and flowers.
Habitat: Prefers tropical forests near rivers or wetlands. It spends long periods wallowing in mud or swimming, and it is an excellent diver.
Behavior: Usually diurnal but can switch to nocturnal activity if threatened. Moves stealthily, making it hard to spot in the wild.
Feet: Four toes on the front feet and three on the hind feet, which help them move easily over muddy or uneven terrain.
While some conservation measures exist, they are not enough to stop the rapid decline. To protect tapirs, actions must focus both on their habitat and on the species itself:
Habitat protection: Implement strategic land-use planning to balance agriculture, livestock, and urban development.
Protected areas: Create reserves where tapirs and other vulnerable species can coexist safely.
Stricter laws: Enforce regulations against illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.
Public awareness: Educate local communities about the importance of tapirs and their role in ecosystems.
International cooperation: Support transboundary conservation projects across Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Ultimately, protecting tapirs requires not only NGOs but also government involvement and strong enforcement of conservation policies.
The tapir is one of the most ancient and unique mammals on Earth, but human activity is pushing it toward extinction. From hunting and illegal trade to deforestation and urbanization, multiple threats are shrinking both its population and its habitat.
Unless stronger action is taken soon, tapirs could disappear completely. But with effective conservation strategies, awareness campaigns, and international collaboration, there is still hope to save this remarkable species.
References
International Union for Conservation of Nature (2018). Red List. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/
animal tags： tapir
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