Arabian tapir (SciiFii)

The Arabian tapir (Acrocodia asurus) is a species of tapir that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and deserts across the Arabian Peninsula to help boost biodiversity. The Arabian tapir has a distinctive short black fur covering the front its body and legs, and the light brown fur on its back and sides. Arabian tapirs average 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length, but can range between 1.8 and 2.5 meters (5.9 and 8.2 feet), and 73–120 centimeters (2.40–3.94 feet) in shoulder height. Body mass in adults can range from 150 to 400 kilograms (330 to 880 lb). Like the other species of tapirs, they have small, stubby tails and long, flexible proboscises. They have four toes on each front foot, and three toes on each back foot. The Arabian tapir may be active at all hours, but is primarily nocturnal. It forages for leaves, pine needles, shrubs, twigs, tumbleweeds, cacti flesh, nuts, pinecones, and fruits, using well-worn tapir paths which zig-zag. The Arabian tapir is more of a land-dweller than any other member of the genus Acrocodia, being almost entirely terrestrial due to adapting to life in a dry, arid landscape where the species lives in, having splayed feet like a camel's feet, being able to store food and water in its body, and a more elongated limbs than those of the closely related Malayan tapir (Acrocodia indicus). Despite this, in areas near or around the rivers, lakes, and oasises, the Arabian tapir can stay close to water and enjoy swimming and wading, individuals will rest in a watering hole for hours with only their heads above water. The Arabian tapir generally leads a solitary life, though feeding groups are not uncommon, and individuals, especially those of different ages (young with their mothers, juveniles with adults) are often observed together. The animals communicate with one another through shrill whistles and squeaks. The gestation period is about 180 days, faster than the Malayan tapir's 400 day gestation period, after which one offspring is born. Multiple births are uncommon, but not rare. The babies, unlike those of many species of tapir, have a dull brownish-tan hair without any spots or stripes, a camouflage which affords them excellent protection in the dry desert environments. This pattern eventually fades into the adult coloration. For the first week of their lives, infant Arabian tapirs are hidden in secluded locations while their mothers forage for food, and return periodically to nurse them. Later, the young follow their mothers on feeding expeditions. At three weeks of age, the young are able to swim. Weaning occurs after one year, and sexual maturity is usually reached six to 12 months later. Arabian tapirs can live for over 40 years. The conservation status of the Arabian tapir is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the Arabian tapir's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii