The Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is a large South American ungulate. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and Zoo Tycoon (Xbox).
Description[]
Named American naturalist Spencer Fullerton Baird, Baird's tapir is the largest species of tapir native to South America, with only the Asian Malayan Tapir being larger. Adults can weigh up to 400kg (880lbs) in weight, making it the largest native land mammal in South America. It can be distinguished from other tapir species by its dark brown coat and cream-colored markings on its chin and chest. Like all tapirs, calves have a distinctive light brown coat covered in pale spots and stripes, which act as camouflage.
Baird's tapir is native primarily to Central America, with populations extending as far north as Southern Mexico and as far south as the Northwestern region of South America. A solitary and primarily nocturnal animal, it forages for leaves and fallen fruit in the dense rainforests and usually stays close to water, where it will often swim to keep cool in the hottest parts of the day. Due to their large size, Baird's tapir have few natural predators and individuals have been found with Jaguar claw marks in their hide, showing they were able to escape the large cat. It will allow small birds to pick parasites from its skin, often rolling over to allow the birds to reach particularly infested parts. Hunting and habitat loss are major threats to the tapir.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
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Click here to open the Baird's Tapir scenario article. |
Baird's tapir is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and was added as part of the Endangered Species expansion pack. In Campaign and Challenge mode, it is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a rating of 1.5 stars.
Habitat[]
The tapir lives in the tropical rainforest biome. They are avid swimmers and will swim in deep pools if water is provided in the exhibit.
Diet[]
Baird's tapirs eat a diet of fruits, such as bananas and berries, and branches.
Enrichment[]
The tapir likes the salt lick.
Shelter[]
Tapirs prefer the wood shelter.
Behavior[]
Tapirs do not usually live in large herds.
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The Baird’s tapir is an ungulate with a bulky body, short legs, and a head with a short, flexible proboscis. It lives 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. The only enemies of tapirs, in addition to humans, are members of the cat family. Habitat loss, due to clear-cutting has brought Baird’s tapirs to the edge of extinction. |
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
Baird's tapir is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection, the updated version of Zoo Tycoon (Xbox). It is available for adoption at a zoo fame rating of 20.
Despite its large size, the tapir is a Mini-Exhibit animal that lives in the Tropical Lawn exhibit. It is compatible with other species of tapir.