Image for Baird's tapir

Baird's tapir

Baird's tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal native to Central America, recognizable by its stout body, short legs, and distinctive prehensile snout. It is the most endangered of the four tapir species, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting. Baird's tapir plays a vital role in its ecosystem by dispersing seeds through its diet of fruits and plants. It prefers dense forests and water sources, and its solitary nature makes it elusive. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this species, which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).