TAPIR, Taperus, a genus of pachydermata, of the section ordinaries; having a bulky form, with moderately long legs; the fore-feet four-toed, the hind-feet three-toed; the skin thick, the hair short; the tail very small; the neck thick; the ears short; the eyes small; the muzzle elongated; the nose prolonged int% a short, flexible proboscis, which, however, does not terminate in an organ of touch and prehension, like that of the ele phant; 6 incisors, 2 canine teeth, and 14 molars in each jaw, the molars separated from the canine teeth by a wide interval. The best known species is the AMERICAN TAPIR (T. Americanus), which is about the size of a small ass, and is common in almost all parts of South America, its range extending as far s. as the strait of Magellan, although it suddenly ceases to be found at the isthmus of Darien. Its color is a uniform deep brown, but the young are beautifully marked with yellowish fawn-colored stripes and spots. The skin of the neck forms a thick rounded crest on the nape, with a short mane of stiff hair. The tapir inhabits deep recesses of the forest, and delights in plung ing and swimming in water. It feeds chiefly on young shoots of trees, fruits, and other vegetable substances, but is ready to swallow almost anything that comes in its way. Pieces of wood, clay, and pebbles are often found in its stomach. It sometimes com mits great ravages in cultivated grounds; a large herd of tapirs sallying forth from the forest by night, trampling and devouring all that they find in the fields. The tapir is a very powerful animal, and, protected by its thick hide, forces its way through the forest where almost no other quadruped can. When assailed by the jaguar it seeks to get rid of him by rushing through thick underwood, and if it can reach water is often success ful by plunging in and diving. It is inoffensive, never attacking man; but when hard pressed by dogs makes a violent resistance, and inflicts severe bites. It is very easily tamed, and becomes extremely familiar; but its large size makes it a troublesome pet.
Its hide is useful, and its flesh is eaten, although rather dry.—The MALAYAN TAPIR (7'. .illcsiftyanus or Indicus) is found in Malacca, Sumatra, etc. It is larger than the American tapir, and its proboscis Is rather longer in proportion. The neck has no mane. The color is glossy black, except the back, rump, and sides of the belly, which are white. The colors do not pass gradually one into another, but the line of separation is marked, giving the animal a very peculiar appearance. The habits of this species are very simi lar to those of the American tapir, and it is equally capable of domestication. The young are striped and spotted as in that species.—A third species is found in the moun tainous parts of South America.
The remains of tapirs have been found in miocene and subsequent strata. In all about 12 species have been determined. Tapir-like animals are common in eocene beds. Ten species of palceotherium (q.v.) have been described. Lophiddon, of which 15 species have been observed, differs from palceotherium in the structure of the teeth of the lower jaw—and from other peculiarities in the same organs, coryphodon (containing three species) has been separated from both genera.
The tapir is a remarkable exception to the generalization deduced from the compari son of the later tertiary mammals with those living in the same districts at the present day, viz., that there is a close correspondence between the fauna of the two periods. The pliocene and post-pliocene bears, hyenas, tigers, elephants, etc., of Europe and Asia are represented by living species of the same or nearly allied genera. The recent sloths, armadilloes, and prehensile-tailed monkeys of South America were preceded by closely related forms in the later tertiary period; as were also the marsupials of Australia. Several species of tapirs have been found in Europe, but they have left no representatives nearer than eastern Asia and South America.