Tapir’s Tale

The lowland tapir is a solitary herbivore that lives in South America's rainforest. Weighing 330 - 660 pounds, these nocturnal animals are active at twilight, but can be seen during daytime. These tapirs wallow in mud to fend off parasites and regulate body temperature. They submerge in water to evade from their predators. Lowland tapirs also play a role in their ecosystem by dispersing seeds through their waste. In the next 5,000 - 10,000 years, these tapirs may adapt to savannas or wetlands due to climate change, and become omnivores. They might have other adaptations which could include binocular vision for better perception, thinner fur to stay cooler and dog-like snout to help them find food and be aware of predators. They also might develop longer legs for agility. Tapirs might explore their environment in herds. Additionally, they could evolve retractable claws for burrowing, helping them escape heat and predators.