Kabomani tapir facts for kids

The kabomani tapir (Tapirus kabomani) is a fascinating animal! It's the smallest of the five types of tapirs living today. This special tapir was found in the amazing Amazon rainforest. Scientists discovered it in 2013, which was a really big deal! It was the first time in over 100 years that a new type of "odd-toed ungulate" (like horses or rhinos) was discovered.

What is a Tapir?

Tapirs are unique mammals that look a bit like pigs with a short, flexible trunk. They are related to horses and rhinoceroses. Tapirs are shy animals that live in forests and grasslands in Central and South America, and also in Southeast Asia. They love water and are excellent swimmers!

Discovery of the Kabomani Tapir

For a long time, people in the Amazon knew about a smaller tapir. They called it "little black tapir." But scientists didn't officially recognize it until 2013. A team of researchers studied its DNA, its skull, and its fur. They confirmed it was a completely new species! This discovery was very exciting for the world of science.

Size and Appearance

The kabomani tapir is the smallest tapir species. It weighs about 110 kilograms (240 lb), which is like two average-sized teenagers! Its fur is usually dark-grey to dark-brown. You can tell males and females apart because males are smaller. Females also have a light patch of fur on their throat. This patch goes from their chin down to their neck and up to the bottom of their ears.

Where They Live

The kabomani tapir lives in the Amazon rainforest. This huge forest is found in several South American countries. These tapirs prefer dense forests and swampy areas. They need these places to find food and stay hidden.

Images for kids

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  South American tapir skull, on display at the Museum of Osteology, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

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  A South American tapir browsing leaves at Pouso Alegre, Transpantaneira, Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil

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  A calf of the South American tapir

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  Young South American tapir at the Dortmund Zoo

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  South American tapir in northern Peru

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  South American tapir heart (Tapirus terrestris)

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  South American tapir performing the Flehmen response

See also

In Spanish: Tapir amazónico para niños