Malayan Tapir

HABITAT

They typically live in tropical lowland swamps, and hilly, dense, primary forests. They prefer marshes to swim in and camp in mudholes to snack on insects.

DIET

Their diet includes a wide variety of leaves, buds, tree barks, soft twigs, fruits and aquatic vegetation. They follow a frugivorous, folivorous and lignivorous diet.

STATUS

They are considered to be endangered, according to the IUCN Red List. It is assumed that there are only 1,200 to 1,500 left in Malaysia.

Characteristics

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acrocodia indica

HEIGHT: 90 - 110 cm

LENGTH: 1.8 - 2.5 m

WEIGHT: 250 - 320 kg

BODY: Barrel-shaped

NOSE: Long, snorkel-like

BEHAVIOUR: Nocturnal (Active before sunrise and after sunset) and solitiary

COLOUR: Black and white

LIFESPAN: 30 years

LITTER SIZE: 1 calf

Communication

High-pitched whistles

Snorting with foot stamping when threatened

Urine marking for territories

Rely on scents, smell and sound

ECOSYSTEM

Important seed dispersers of fruit-bearing plants consumed

Natural Predators

Tigers

Crocodiles

Adaptations

Tear-shaped body to walk through thick vegetation

Nose is used as snorkel when underwater

Mini-trunk is used to grab branches, leaves and fruits

Coat pattern helps it to camouflage

Toes create traction in slippery mud

World Tapir Day

27th April

Flip To Know My Threats. 👇

A Malayan Tapir killed in a road accident.

1. Loss of its permanent water sources, due to “repurpose” for farms, roads, and development.

2. Road accidents - A total of 15 Malayan tapirs were reported killed due to road accidents between January to July 31st of 2021.

3. Loss of tapirs' habitats for farming, cattle grazing, palm oil and rubber plantations.

4. The habitats are also flooded by hydroelectric projects.

5. Deforestation leads to soil erosion, diminishing its food supply of plants.

SWIPE TO SAVE ME!

Civilian Action

1. Advertise about the plight of these animals in theatres and common areas.

2. Stop the purchase of illegal products made out of endangered animal body parts.

3. Organise campaigns and awareness programs on the importance of a balanced ecosystem.

4. Practise sustainable living to save the environment.

5. Take part in volunteer programs to help save the animals.

Government Initiatives

1. Stop deforestation and provide alternatives to logging and destructive agricultural practices.

2. Construct more wildlife rehabilitation and refuge parks.

3. Conduct frequent anti-poaching patrols in wildlife corridors.

4. Stricter laws should be enforced for poachers and illegal traders.

5. Plan and implement more eco-tourism programs.

Malayan Tapir Protection

1. Setup special hotlines for civilians to report illegal Malayan Tapir poaching and trade.

2. Start organisations to track Malayan Tapir movements and protect its habitat.

3. Install more Malayan Tapir crossing signs to reduce the number of road accidents.

Young Generation

1. Include endangered animal awareness in the school curriculum.

2. Assign school projects and posters to induce knowledge.

3. Acknowledge 'World Tapir Day' with plays and acts.

4. Develop and promote games based on these animals.

5. Name school teams based on these animals to encourage curiosity.