Tapirs are often called “living fossils” because they have changed very little since the Eocene Epoch, which was between 56 and 33.9 million years ago.

Speaking of size, the world's largest tapir is the Malayan tapir, the black-and-white species pictured above. It's found in Malaysia and Sumatra and can grow to be as heavy as 800 pounds (363 kg). 8.

The Malayan tapir stands out among rainforest creatures, not just for its unique appearance but also for its role in the ecosystem. Its piebald coloring—black in the front and back, white in the ...

Camera trap photo of a tapir and a domestic dog in southern Mexico. Researchers have documented conflict between between a tapir and a dog in Mexico, highlighting the impact of encroaching human ...

Tapirs’ sex lives start when they’re about two years old and can last into their 20s. If all goes well in a tapir tryst, the female likely will bear a single infant (or, very rarely, twins) 13 ...