Thomas the Tapir Fidget-2.5 inch

Fidgeting with a Tapir makes you smart and wise, Thomas says so.

1. **Ancient Lineage**: Tapirs are part of an ancient group of mammals, and their closest relatives are horses and rhinoceroses.

2. **Species**: There are four recognized species of tapirs: the Brazilian tapir, the Malayan tapir, Baird's tapir, and the mountain tapir.

3. **Appearance**: They have a distinctive prehensile snout, which they use to grab leaves, fruits, and other vegetation.

4. **Habitat**: Tapirs are mostly found in Central and South America, with the Malayan tapir residing in Southeast Asia. They inhabit forests and grasslands.

5. **Size**: They are quite large, with the Brazilian tapir weighing up to 700 pounds, while the Malayan tapir can reach up to 1,100 pounds.

6. **Conservation Status**: All tapir species are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes.

7. **Behavior**: Tapirs are mostly nocturnal and have excellent swimming abilities. They often retreat to water to cool off or escape predators.

8. **Reproduction**: Tapirs typically have a long gestation period of about 13 months, and usually give birth to a single calf, which is born with a distinctive striped and spotted coat for camouflage.

9. **Diet**: They are herbivores and primarily eat leaves, twigs, fruits, and aquatic plants.

10. **Role in Ecosystem**: Tapirs play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping to disperse seeds through their feces, which supports forest regeneration.

Tapirs are fascinating creatures with a vital role in their habitats, but they face significant threats and need conservation efforts to ensure their survival.