Central American tapir

The Central American tapir, also known as Baird's tapir, is a species of hoofed mammal belonging to the family Tapiridae. These tapirs are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They are heavy-bodied with short legs, a small-eyed head, and a distinctive short, fleshy proboscis that extends over their upper lip.12

Central American tapirs typically have a short, bristly mane and are dark in color. Young tapirs are born streaked and spotted with yellowish-white. They are generally shy, preferring deep forests or swamps, and often seek refuge in water when disturbed. Their primary threats are habitat destruction and hunting by humans, with jaguars also being a predator in some areas. The species is listed among those threatened with extinction in Panama.21