Tapir

A tapir (/ˈteɪpər/ TAY-pər or /təˈpɪər/ tə-PEER) is a large, herbivorous mammal, similar in shape to a pig, with a short, prehensile snout. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeastern Asia. The five extant species of tapirs are the Brazilian tapir, the Malayan tapir, the Baird's tapir, the kabomani tapir, and the mountain tapir. The four species that have been evaluated (the Brazilian, Malayan, Baird's and mountain tapir) are all classified as endangered or vulnerable. Their closest relatives are the other odd-toed ungulates, which include horses, donkeys, zebras and rhinoceri.

Species

Five extant species within one extant genus are widely recognized. Four are in Central and South America whilst the fifth is in Asia. (Some authors describe more, and a number are extinct):