Buffalo tapir (SciiFii)

The buffalo tapir (Bubalutapirus primigenius) is a species of tapir, most closely related to the tapirs of the genus Acrocodia, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The buffalo tapir is one of the largest known species of tapirs. Average height at the withers are is 129–133 centimeters (51–52 inches) for males, and 120–127 centimeters (47–50 inches) for females, but large individuals may attain 160 centimeters (63 inches). Head-lump length at maturity typically ranges 240–300 centimeters (94–118 inches). They range in weight from 300–550 kilograms (660–1,210 lbs), but weights of over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lbs) and 1,100 kilograms (2,400 lbs) have also been observed. As their names suggests, the buffalo tapirs are broad and muscular with shaggy coats of long, brown hair, similarly to those of the bison. Like other tapir species, it has a small, stubby tail and a long, flexible proboscis. It has four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot. The buffalo tapir has rather poor eyesight, but excellent hearing and sense of smell. Unlike other tapirs, the buffalo tapirs are fully terrestrial herbivorous instead of being amphibious, feeding primarily on grasses, leaves, shrubs, fruits, roots, shoots, tubers, and bulbs. The buffalo tapirs are primarily solitary, marking out large tracts of land as their territory, though these areas usually overlap with those of other individuals. Buffalo tapirs mark out their territories by spraying urine on plants, and they often follow distinct paths, which they have bulldozed through the undergrowth, moving slowly through the forest and pausing often to eat and note the scents left behind by other buffalo tapirs in the area. However, when threatened or frightened, the buffalo tapir can run quickly, despite its considerable bulk, and can also defend itself with its strong jaws and sharp teeth. Buffalo tapirs communicate with high-pitched squeaks and whistles. They are also able to climb steep slopes. Buffalo tapirs are mainly active at night, though they are not exclusively nocturnal. They tend to eat soon after sunset or before sunrise, and they will often nap in the middle of the night. This behavior characterizes them as crepuscular animals. The gestation period of the buffalo tapir is about 390–395 days, after which a single calf is born that weighs around 15 and 35 kilograms (33 and 77 lbs). Buffalo tapirs grow more quickly than their relatives. Young buffalo tapirs have brown hair with white stripes and spots, a pattern that enables them to hide effectively in the dappled light of the forest. This baby coat fades into adult coloration between four and seven months after birth. Weaning occurs between six and eight months of age, at which time the babies are nearly full-grown, and the animals reach sexual maturity around age three. Breeding typically occurs in April, May or June, and females generally produce one calf every two years. Buffalo tapirs can live up to 30 years, both in the wild and in captivity. The conservation status of the buffalo tapir is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the buffalo tapir's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii