European tapir (SciiFii)

The European tapir (Tapirus arvernensis) is a species of tapir that originally lived in France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, and Slovakia during the early to mid Pliocene and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across the western and central Europe to help boost biodiversity. The European tapir is smaller and thinner than the other species of Old World tapirs, reaching two meters (6.5 feet) in length, 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) at the shoulder height, and weighing 200 kilograms (440 lbs) on average. It primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, aquatic vegetation using its trunk and usually lives in forested areas with lots of water around, although some specimens have been known to live in more open spaces such as farmlands. The European tapir may be active at all hours, but is primarily nocturnal. The animal usually stays close to water and enjoys swimming and wading – on especially hot days, individuals will rest in a watering hole for hours with only their heads above water. It 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 400 days, after which one offspring is born. Multiple births are extremely rare, but in November 2061, a European tapir in Central Park Zoo birthed twins. The babies, as with many species of tapir, have reddish-brown hair with white spots and stripes, a camouflage which affords them excellent protection in the dappled light of the forest. This pattern eventually fades into the adult coloration. For the first week of their lives, infant European 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. European tapirs can live for over 30 years. The conservation status of the European tapir is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the European tapir's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii