There are four species of tapir

    Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii); population: Fewer than 5,500; IUCN – Endangered.

    Lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris); no exact number, habitat decreasing; IUCN – Vulnerable

    Mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque); population: No more than 2,500; IUCN – Endangered

    Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus); population: No more than 2,000; IUCN – Endangered

A group of tapirs is called a “candle”

Tapir calves are born with dappled markings; at about six months, they lose the markings and look like a miniature adult tapir

The dappled markings of a tapir calf are excellent camouflage

The average lifespan of a tapir is 25 to 30 years

The tapir’s nose is prehensile and is used to grab leaves – and also as a snorkel while swimming

Tapirs have a long gestation period (13 months) and give birth to one calf per gestation

All tapir populations are in decline – a not-so-cool fact

Their closest living relatives are horses and rhinos

Tapirs have four toes on their front feet, and three toes on their back feet