Tapir, any of several species of nocturnal, plant-eating, hoofed mammals native to forests of tropical South America and Malaysia. It has a large head, a long, flexible snout, a heavy body, short legs and a tiny tail. The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) has a striking half-white, half black coat, whereas New World species are dark brown. Length: to 2.5m. Family Tapiridae; genus Tapirus. |
