North-western South America. Height 75 to 80cm. Head and body length 180cm. A female aged 24 was still living in Stuttgart Zoo in 1993. Little available information.
Tapirs are herbivorous browsers and grazers.
Ferns and young shoots form part of their diet. Tends to be more active at night, although not strictly nocturnal. Bedding areas have been observed in thick vegetation. Whilst less aquatic than lowland species due to habitat, the Mountain Tapir is also fond of water and frequents streams and riverine meadows. The species moves to higher elevations in the dry season, possibly to avoid heat and flies.