Introduction

Annually, 0n 27 April World Tapir Day celebrate to raise awareness about the critical endangered species. It mainly to advocate for their protection for the future generation. In term of genetics, a cross between a pig and an elephant, these creatures are directly related to horses as well as rhinoceroses.  The tapir are centuries old. According to the researchers, for the millions of years these animals have essentially the same.

History

World Tapir day was created to save the threating species from the extinction. Because they live either in forest and jungle, they are extremely sensitive to deforestation. Tapirs are endemic to Central and South America but are also found in South-East Asia.

Tapirs have the overall of a pig with hoofed toes, but they also have long snout of an elephant. But this essential animal is currently on endangered species due to overhunting for meat and hides. The extinction of Tapirs could put the entire forest ecosystem. Because they help to disseminate seeds across the forest as a result of natural activities. They are also among the most ancient species to be found in these parts of the world.

Many of the people are uninformed about the existence of unique portion of the planet i.e., Tapir species. These animals are so unfamiliar to general public that people who visit zoo regularly confuse foe the member of other species. This is concern in countries, why World Tapir day was formed to help raise global awareness of this endangered species.

  • About 65 million years ago, Tapir fossils are discovered in the early Oligocene period, which is the earliest-known record of them.
  • About 45 million years ago, Tapir migrate to Asia.
  • About 30 million Years ago, three Neotropical species separate from the Asian species.
  • In 2008, the first World Tapir Day is observed.

Facts about the Tapirs

There are some following facts of the tapirs:

  • Tapirs eat twice a day.
  • They help to promote the future growth of plants, due to seeds they have consumed in three time of foraging and defecation.
  • Southeast Asia is the home of world largest tapir, which may grow to be 800 pounds in weight.
  • Woolly Tapirs are the smallest members of tapir family because of their thick coat.

Since the Eocene period, Tapis are considered to be living fossils.

In conclusion, tapirs are facing a significant threat of extinction, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their long-term survival. By donating to appropriate organizations and promoting public awareness about the importance of tapir conservation, we can help safeguard these animals and ensure their continued existence in the wild.

About the Author: Aqsa Abid has completed her BS in Environmental Sciences from GCWUS. She is a green blogger and a climate activist advocating for environment, climate and sustainable development.