Future Tapirs: Trunks, Travel

My drawing depicts a tapir, a pig-like animal in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Central/South America. Since climate change would cause temperatures to rise, tapirs would likely have thinner, shorter hair to prevent overheating. This fur would be lighter for reflectivity. If food becomes scarce, it may evolve to have slimmer proportions to require less. A longer trunk could also help them reach resources, or cool themselves more efficiently. Although tapirs have four toes on their front feet, the fourth is small and isn’t significantly helpful. In the future, these toes may evolve to provide a stabler foot structure that would allow more efficient travel. Climate change may bring heavier rains, but stronger footing would prevent sinking in mud or water. It also could help them deliver effective kicks. Invasive species could become new predators or competition, requiring that tapirs defend themselves better and become more agile.