Axis tapir (SciiFii)

The axis tapir (Acrocodia axis), also known as the chital tapir, is a species of tapir that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across India and Southeast Asia to help boost biodiversity. The axis tapir grows to between 1.8 and 2.5 meters (5.11-8.2 feet) in length, not counting a stubby tail of only 5-10 centimeters (2.0-3.9 inches) in length, and stands 90 to 110 centimeters (2.11-3.7 feet) tall. It typically weighs between 250 and 320 kilograms (550 and 710 lbs), although some adults can weigh up to 540 kilograms (1,190 lbs). The females are usually larger than the males. Like many 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 axis tapir has rather poor eyesight, but excellent hearing and sense of smell. The coat of the axis tapir is deep brown with light brown or white spots on the belly, hind legs, hips, throat, chin, and/or muzzle. Axis tapirs are primarily solitary, marking out large tracts of land as their territory, though these areas usually overlap with those of other individuals. Axis tapirs mark out their territories by spraying urine on plants, and they often follow distinct paths, which they bulldoze through the undergrowth. Exclusively herbivorous, the animal forages for the tender shoots and leaves of more than 160 species of plants (around 75 are particularly preferred), moving slowly through the forest and pausing often to eat and note the scents left behind by other axis tapirs in the area. However, when threatened or frightened, the tapir can run quickly, despite its considerable bulk, and can also defend itself with its strong jaws and sharp teeth. Axis tapirs communicate with high-pitched squeaks and whistles. They usually prefer to live near water and often bathe and swim, and they are also able to climb steep slopes. Axis 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 axis tapir is about 390–395 days, after which a single calf is born that weighs around 6.8 kilograms (15 lbs). Axis tapirs are one of the largest of the living Acrocodia tapir species at birth, and grow more quickly than many of their relatives. Young axis tapirs have brown hair with white stripes and spots, a pattern that enables them to hide effectively in the dappled light of the forest. 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. Axis tapirs can live up to 30 years, both in the wild and in captivity. The conservation status of axis tapir is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the axis tapir's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii