National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
asian tapir, asiatic tapir, indian tapir, malayan tapir, malay tapir
Regions
IndonesiaMalaysiaMyanmar
Population
1,999
Habitat
Malayan tapirs inhabit dense tropical forests and freshwater habitats.
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
550 and 25
Regions
Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
The Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus), also called the Malayan tapir, is the only living tapir species found outside the Americas and is instantly recognizable by its black body and large white “saddle” across the midsection that breaks up its outline in dim forest light. A heavy, shy browser that often stays close to water, it uses a short, flexible snout to pull leaves, shoots, and fallen fruit in lowland and hill forests across Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, and Sumatra. Despite being large (commonly 250–320 kg) and capable of defending itself, it reproduces slowly—typically producing a single calf—so populations recover poorly from losses. With roughly 2,000–2,500 mature individuals remaining, the species is endangered primarily because intact forest has been converted into plantations and other development, leaving tapirs isolated in shrinking fragments where road crossings, snaring, and human disturbance further increase mortality
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
