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Tapirs In Captivity: Endangered Species And Zoos
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Published: August 24, 2007
Although Tapirs may not be the most popular animals to visit when at the zoo, they are quite interesting. Currently, there are four different species of tapirs: Baird’s, Lowland, Mountain and Malayan. The natural habitat of this animal are the tropical forests and rivers in Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.
Tapirs are definitely odd-looking mammals. They could be described as looking like a combination of a rhino and an elephant. They have a very tough hide, which is covered with short hair. One of their most notable characteristics is the large, protruding snout. On average, tapirs can weigh 330-550 pounds and measure 6.5 feet long. The diet of these animals consists of water plants, leaves, buds and fruit; which classify them as herbivores. The perfect home for many tapirs is near a body of water, such as a river, creek or lake. They prefer to be near water for reasons other than swimming. Bodies of water can offer a great escape for the animal when being chased by predators.
Sadly, tapirs are members of the endangered species list. In fact, mountain tapirs are considered one of the highest risk of endangered large mammals in the world. There are many factors contributing to the low population of this animal. One such factor is the reduction of food supply. The palm fruit is one of the most popular menu items for the species. However, many of the palm fruit trees are being cut down in forests, which negates food availability.
Another factor contributing to the lowered population of tapirs is the increase of human hunting. Since they are such large mammals, they are sought after for food by many locals. Yet another contributor of the diminished population is the destruction of forests. It is no secret tropical forests are being demolished for illegal logging and farming purposes. By killing habitats for these animals, the destruction of the species occurs as well.
With tapirs being a member of the endangered species list, forests in these regions will also suffer. These mammals play a crucial role in their ecosystem. The animals contribute to the growth of plant life by dispersing seeds. Since tapirs are herbivores, they in turn help to disperse seeds by spitting them out while eating and through their feces.
Many people are joining together to help save the dwindling species. One way people are attempting to increase the population of tapirs is by using zoos. Many places around the world have tapirs in captivity. They not only feed and care for tapirs, they also can develop breeding programs for them in captivity. By keeping these animals in captivity, zoos are able allow tapirs the ability to thrive.
Tapirs are one of nature’s living fossils. They have walked the earth even longer than their close relatives, horses and rhinos. By humans’ action, these animals are in danger. That is why many people feel the urge to undo the wrongs mankind has inflicted upon tapirs by helping to save this ancient species.
Sources:
"An Ancient Pachyderm." Brookfield Zoo. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/pagegen/htm/fix/fg/fg _body.asp?sAnimal=Lowland+(or+Brazilian)+tapir.
Barongi, Rick. “Panama: A History of Tapirs in Captivity.” IUCN/SSC Newsletter. June. 1999. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/iucn-ssc/tsg/tco nserv/9906tc05.htm.
"Tapirs of the World." Tapir Specialist Group. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.tapirs.org/tapirs/index.html.
Tapirs are definitely odd-looking mammals. They could be described as looking like a combination of a rhino and an elephant. They have a very tough hide, which is covered with short hair. One of their most notable characteristics is the large, protruding snout. On average, tapirs can weigh 330-550 pounds and measure 6.5 feet long. The diet of these animals consists of water plants, leaves, buds and fruit; which classify them as herbivores. The perfect home for many tapirs is near a body of water, such as a river, creek or lake. They prefer to be near water for reasons other than swimming. Bodies of water can offer a great escape for the animal when being chased by predators.
Sadly, tapirs are members of the endangered species list. In fact, mountain tapirs are considered one of the highest risk of endangered large mammals in the world. There are many factors contributing to the low population of this animal. One such factor is the reduction of food supply. The palm fruit is one of the most popular menu items for the species. However, many of the palm fruit trees are being cut down in forests, which negates food availability.
Another factor contributing to the lowered population of tapirs is the increase of human hunting. Since they are such large mammals, they are sought after for food by many locals. Yet another contributor of the diminished population is the destruction of forests. It is no secret tropical forests are being demolished for illegal logging and farming purposes. By killing habitats for these animals, the destruction of the species occurs as well.
With tapirs being a member of the endangered species list, forests in these regions will also suffer. These mammals play a crucial role in their ecosystem. The animals contribute to the growth of plant life by dispersing seeds. Since tapirs are herbivores, they in turn help to disperse seeds by spitting them out while eating and through their feces.
Many people are joining together to help save the dwindling species. One way people are attempting to increase the population of tapirs is by using zoos. Many places around the world have tapirs in captivity. They not only feed and care for tapirs, they also can develop breeding programs for them in captivity. By keeping these animals in captivity, zoos are able allow tapirs the ability to thrive.
Tapirs are one of nature’s living fossils. They have walked the earth even longer than their close relatives, horses and rhinos. By humans’ action, these animals are in danger. That is why many people feel the urge to undo the wrongs mankind has inflicted upon tapirs by helping to save this ancient species.
Sources:
"An Ancient Pachyderm." Brookfield Zoo. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/pagegen/htm/fix/fg/fg _body.asp?sAnimal=Lowland+(or+Brazilian)+tapir.
Barongi, Rick. “Panama: A History of Tapirs in Captivity.” IUCN/SSC Newsletter. June. 1999. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/iucn-ssc/tsg/tco nserv/9906tc05.htm.
"Tapirs of the World." Tapir Specialist Group. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.tapirs.org/tapirs/index.html.
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