Lowlandstapir

Ungulates and hoofed animals

South American animals

Tapirs look a bit strange with their long, trunk-like snout, thick body and tiny tail. Their body shape is well adapted to the environment in which they live in the wild. They are perfectly designed to push their way through dense rainforest and they are also skilful swimmers. The small proboscis is an extension of the upper lip and nose and is used when the tapir gently plucks leaves and fruits. The lowland tapir is one of four tapir species, three of which are found in South America and one in Southeast Asia. Today, deforestation and hunting are the main problems for the lowland tapir. They are hunted for meat, skins and because they are considered to destroy agricultural crops. The zoo participates in the European Conservation Breeding Programme (EEP) for the species.

CITES B