Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Perissodactyla
- Family
- Tapiridae
- Genus
- Tapirus
Habitat
Mountain tapirs inhabit high-altitude cloud forests and páramo grasslands in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, typically above 2,000 meters. They prefer dense vegetation with access to water sources like rivers and swamps. This terrain provides cover and food but is increasingly fragmented by human activity.
Diet
Mountain tapirs primarily eat leaves, fruits, grasses, and aquatic plants, browsing in forested areas during the night. They are selective feeders, often consuming bamboo shoots and other vegetation near water sources. Feeding occurs mostly at dusk and dawn to avoid predators.
Behavior
Mountain tapirs are primarily solitary animals, except during mating, and are most active at night, though they may be seen during the day in cloudy weather. They are territorial, marking their ranges with urine and dung, and are excellent swimmers that often seek refuge in water. These tapirs communicate through vocalizations and are known for their agility in rugged, mountainous terrain.
Conservation Status
The mountain tapir is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation and agriculture. Major threats include hunting for meat and road construction that fragments their habitat.