Tapirs are the largest terrestrial mammals in Central America.
An adult wild tapir has short, sparse black hair over a black skin. The hairs are approximately 1-3cm long. Tapirs are stocky animals with short powerful legs that are well suited for rapid movement through thick underbush. In the forest a tapir can run as fast as a human. The tail is short and seems to have no significant purpose other than providing a cover for the anus.