The South American Tapir is one of the four recognized species of tapir. The species can be found in Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. In Guyana, the tapir is colloquially referred to as “bush cow.”
The South American Tapir can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh an average of 500 pounds. The height of the tapir measured up to the shoulder is about 43 inches.
The tapir is an excellent swimmer and also moves fast on land. Its average lifespan is 27 years. A herbivore, the diet of the tapir consists of leaves, buds, shoots, fruits, grasses, small branches, and aquatic plants. Although the tapir is herbivore, it is known to have a tendency to attack and harm humans, especially children.
