File:Brazilian tapir standing in grass - DPLA - 0172e867a02042b5dc96c88a490323a3.jpg

35 mm slide; color. Scientific Classification: Kingdom: Animalia; Phylum: Chordata; Class: Mammalia; Order: Perissodactyla; Family: Tapiridae; Genus: Tapirus; Genus species: Tapirus terrestris. Animal characteristics: Head-Body Length: 180-250 cm; Height: 75-120 cm; Weight: 225-300 kg; Identification: The tapir has a short, fleshy trunk formed from the nose and upper lip. The body is short and stout; Habitat: Forests; Diet: Herbivore: grasses, aquatic vegetation, leaves, buds, twigs, fruits, green shoots; Reproduction: Tapirs mate throughout the year. Females carry their single offspring for 390-400 days. Offspring become independent at 6-8 months of age. Tapirs can live up to 30 years old; Social Structure: Tapirs are solitary; Behavior: Even though tapirs are nocturnal, they have very poor vision. They use their proboscis for smelling and pulling food into their mouths' reach; Status: Vulnerable to endangered (depending on species): hunted for leather, habitat destruction; Interesting Facts: Tapirs are related to horses and rhinoceroses. They are excellent swimmers and rock climbers. Their most common predators are jaguars, leopards, and tigers.