| Tapir, a hoofed mammal with a bulky body, short legs, a
short tail, and a head characterized by a short, flexible proboscis, small eyes, and erect
ears. The animals live in dense forests and grassy areas of Central and South America and
Asia. When tapirs are threatened, they flee to the water or into dense underbrush for
safety; their squeal seems to be a means of communication with other members of the family
group in the thick foliage of the rain forest. They feed on leaves, fruit, and other
vegetation. Information
From Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000 |
