10 Fascinating Facts About Tapirs

Closely related to horses and rhinos, tapirs have a unique appearance. As adults, tapirs generally have a single color or a simple color pattern, although some species like the Malayan tapir have distinctive black and white markings. However, tapirs have an adorable watermelon pattern covering their bodies when they’re babies. What else should you know about these hog-like animals? Read on to learn 10 incredible tapir facts.

1. Tapirs Are Living Fossils

You might be surprised to learn that tapirs are living, breathing fossils. These fascinating animals have been in existence since the Eocene period, meaning they’ve survived numerous extinction events that wiped out other animals. The Eocene period was the geological epoch that took place around 56 to 33.9 million years ago, meaning that, although they have evolved greatly, tapirs have been around for a really long time.

2. Tapirs Are a Part of Japanese Mythology

Next on our list of incredible tapir facts, let’s discuss their role in Japanese folklore. Japanese culture has a mythological creature called Baku, and stylizations of the animal greatly resemble the Asian tapir.

Baku is a tapir-like creature that eats nightmares. According to legend, it was made from leftover bits when the gods were done creating other animals. Baku has a long history in Japanese mythology, art, and folklore. The creature also appears in manga and anime.

3. Tapirs Are Strong Swimmers

Picture it: while running away from a hungry predator, a tapir jumps into the river. You expect the worst, but then something surprising happens…the tapir gets away! Despite the tapir’s large size, these animals are excellent swimmers. Their strong swimming abilities allow them to cross large rivers and escape from hungry predators.

4. Tapirs Live in South America and Asia

If you’re wondering where to go to see tapirs in the wild, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are populations in several countries. Tapirs live in South America and Asia, inhabiting countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and Paraguay. The Malayan tapir specifically lives in Myanmar, Sumatra, and Thailand. Unfortunately, many tapirs are classified as either endangered or vulnerable due to the threats that they face from habitat loss and hunting.

5. Tapirs Are the Gardeners of the Forest

Farmers and gardeners have something in common with tapirs; they’re all great at planting seeds. It’s one of the most incredible tapir facts. Tapirs are the perfect seed dispersers; that’s why they’re called “gardeners of the forest.” Tapirs eat all sorts of seasonal fruits and then deposit them in their scat. Those seeds can sprout new fruit trees, helping to keep the forest lush. The forest’s diversity and structure would be completely different if there weren’t tapirs.

6. Tapirs Make Forest Paths for Each Other

Scientists call tapirs an umbrella species. Umbrella species have a wide-ranging habitat, covering a lot of ground and looking for prime vegetation. Tapirs strategically maneuver through even the densest forest thanks to premade paths. When it’s time to find food or watering holes, tapirs will look for trails made by another group of tapirs. When they find a watering hole, tapirs dive to the bottom to eat the aquatic vegetation.

7. The Pokemon Drowzee Is a Tapir

Many Pokémoncharacters are based on real animals, including tapirs. Tapirs are the inspiration for the PokémonDrowzee, a psychic type of Pokémon. All it takes is one peek at the Pokémon character, and you’ll be able to see the tapir-like resemblance.

8. The Nose and Toes of Tapirs Make Them Versatile

Tapirs have four toes on their front feet and three toes on their back ones. These unique toes help them sprint through dense forest brush. Tapirs also have a prehensile nose. The nose can wiggle and grab leaves when they’re foraging for food. When swimming, tapirs can use their nose as a snorkel.

9. Tapirs Appeared in Rio 2

Have you seen the fun animated family comedy movie Rio 2? If you have, then you’ll know tapirs make a special appearance. The movie features many animals, including blue macaws, capybaras, and even Amazon River dolphins. However, one of the most endearing characters is the tapir game announcer. He’s loud, bombastic, and narrates the entire game with a special sense of flair. He even annoys his porcupine co-host when yelling in his ear. Pablo Ramirez does the voice of the tapir. Do you want to see more adorable animated tapirs? You can also find tapirs (and lots of other wildlife) in the animated family film Encanto.

10. Tapirs Have Unusually Large Members

Our final fact is one that’s been getting tapirs attention in the media, and it’s all thanks to their unique prehensile penis. A tapir has a very strong prehensile penis that is also very long. It is so long that it can make it look as though the tapir has a fifth leg. There are even photos on the internet showing tapirs using their prehensile penises to scratch their back.

One of the reasons they have such strong genitalia has to do with their method of copulation. Their member can create a gripping effect, forming a seal inside the female. This helps ensure the mating is successful, securing the next generation of tapirs.