I’ve been looking at going to Borneo this week, so I thought we would look at another critically endangered animal native to Asia. The Malayan tapir (also known as the Asian tapir, the badak, or the Oreo tapir for the black and white coloring) is one of the five species of tapirs and is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, including parts of Myanmar, Thailand, here in Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Malayan tapirs are easily recognizable due to their distinctive coloration. They have a black front and back, with a white saddle-shaped marking covering most of their midsection. This contrasting coloration is believed to help camouflage them in the dappled light of the forest.

Fully grown Malayan tapirs can weigh between 550 to 990 pounds (250 to 450 kg). They have a rounded body, short legs, and a flexible, elongated snout called a proboscis, which aids them in grasping foliage.

They are herbivorous and primarily consume leaves, twigs, and fruit. Their diet can be varied, depending on the availability of plant material in their habitat.

After a gestation period of around 13 months, the female tapir gives birth to a single calf. Young tapirs have a distinctive coat pattern with stripes and spots that provide them with extra camouflage in the dense underbrush. This pattern gradually disappears as they reach adulthood.

Malayan tapirs are generally solitary animals. They are mostly nocturnal, using the night to forage and explore their territory. These animals have a strong sense of smell and hearing, which they rely on more than their vision.

The primary threats to Malayan tapirs include habitat loss due to logging and deforestation for agriculture, road construction, and human settlements. They also face dangers from poaching. The reduction in habitat can lead to increased encounters with humans, often resulting in road accidents.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Malayan tapir as “Endangered.” Efforts are ongoing in various countries to protect and conserve their populations, which involves habitat preservation and protection from hunting. I saw one reference for 2500 Malayan tapirs left in the wild, but I saw another reference for 350. Knowing what I know about endangered wildlife, 2500 sounds off, I tend to think the 350 is sadly the more accurate number.

In some cultures of its native regions, the Malayan tapir has importance in local myths and folklore. The Malayan tapir is an important component of its ecosystem, as it plays a role in seed dispersal and helps maintain the health and diversity of the forest. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique and fascinating species.

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