Discover the special extinct tapir species in Vietnam
The Malayan tapir, one of the region's most unique wildlife, has disappeared from Vietnam, raising big questions about nature conservation.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•26/09/2025
The Malayan tapir is the largest tapir in the world . This tapir can weigh from 250 to 320 kg, with some individuals reaching over 400 kg, making them “giants” in the Tapir family. Photo: Pinterest. Their distinctive black and white fur is similar to that of a panda. Their bodies are black in the front and back, and white in the middle, helping them camouflage in the dappled light of the rainforest. Photo: Pinterest.
They have a short, flexible trunk, like a miniature elephant's, which helps tapirs pick leaves, pull grass, and even explore their surroundings. Photo: Pinterest. The Malayan tapir is a vegetarian. Its main food is leaves, fruits, shoots and soft branches, and it plays an important role in dispersing seeds in the forest. Photo: Pinterest.
They are excellent swimmers. Malayan tapirs often seek out rivers and lakes to cool off, hide from predators, and can even stay underwater for long periods of time. Photo: Pinterest. The young have spotted fur. Unlike the black and white color of the adult tapir, the young tapir has a dark brown pattern with yellow stripes to camouflage in the forest. Photo: Pinterest. They are a rare and endangered species. Due to habitat loss and hunting, the Malayan tapir is now listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Photo: Pinterest.
The Malayan tapir is also associated with folklore. In some parts of Malaysia and Thailand, they are considered mystical creatures, even associated with strange dreams. Photo: Pinterest.
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