Identification:
Resembles a wild pig in appearance but is larger. Body weight ranges from 250 to 300 kg. The snout and upper lip extend into a short proboscis. The entire body is covered in short, thick fur with two distinct colors. From the head, neck, and chest to the shoulder, the fur is black; from the shoulder to the rump and belly, it is silvery-white. The four legs are black. The front feet have four toes, and the hind feet have three toes. Young tapirs have black fur with white spots; as they mature, their coat transitions to the characteristic black and white pattern.
Biology and Ecology:
The primary diet consists of grass, branches, leaves, fallen fruit, and earthworms. In Thailand, tapirs reproduce in April and May. Newborns weigh 6 to 7 kg. Tapirs inhabit flooded, humid, and dense forests near swamps. They live solitary lives and enjoy wallowing in mud. They forage in open forests with diverse vegetation.
Distribution:
- Within Vietnam: Previously, some documents mentioned tapirs being hunted in the north-central and southern regions. However, no current habitats have been discovered. This species may be extinct in Vietnam.
- Global: Southern Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Value:
Tapirs are a rare species and are the oldest members of the Perissodactyla order, possessing significant value for scientific research and nature education.
Status:
In recent years, residents in some areas of Gia Lai, Kon Tum (Mo Ray, Ta Pốc, Kon Hà Nừng), and Đắk Lắk (Đắk Nông) have reported seeing tapirs, but this information has not been definitively confirmed. The tapir may be extinct in Vietnam.
Classification:
Extinct (EX)
Conservation Measures:
Listed in the Vietnam Red Book (1992-2000) and the IUCN Red List (1996). Hunting tapirs must be prohibited, and if rediscovered, areas must be immediately designated for protection.