mountain tapir

The mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque) is one of five species of hoofed mammals belonging to the family Tapiridae. These animals are found in tropical forests, with four species in the Americas and one in Southeast Asia. Mountain tapirs are the smallest and most primitive of the New World tapirs, inhabiting temperate-zone forests and grasslands in the Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, and northern Peru, up to altitudes of nearly 4,600 meters.12

Mountain tapirs have dense body hair, unlike some other tapir species. They are shy and primarily inhabit forests and swamps, often near water, though they may feed in more open areas. Their main predator is humans, with jaguars also posing a threat in South America. While still considered fairly common, agricultural expansion has impacted their numbers.12