Throughout the densely-wooded regions on the banks of the rivers from
Demerara, across the Brazils, to Paraguay, the long-nosed tapir has its
range. It and the peccary are the only two Pachydermata, or
thick-skinned animals, indigenous to the southern continent. It is
considered one of the links which connect the elephant and rhinoceros to
the swine; its habits, indeed, are somewhat similar to those animals.
Six feet in length, and four in height, it is the largest quadruped in
South America. In form it is somewhat like the hog; but its snout is
lengthened into a flexible proboscis, which resembles the rudiment of
the elephant's trunk, and serves for the same purpose--that of twisting
round the launches of trees and tearing off the leaves, on which it
partly feeds. Like the rhinoceros, it delights in water, is a good
swimmer and diver, and enjoys wallowing in the mud.
Though in its wild state its food consists of the shoots of trees, buds,
wild fruits, gourds, and melons, when in captivity it is an
indiscriminate swallower of everything, filthy or clean. During the day
it remains concealed in the deep recesses of the forest, issuing out at
night to seek its food. On its front feet are four toes, but there are
only three on the hinder--their tips cased in small hoofs. The eyes are
small and lateral, and the ears long and pointed. The teeth are strong
and powerful, to enable it to crush its food, or defend itself against
its enemies. The hair, of a deep brown, approaching to black, is short,
scanty, and closely depressed to the surface; while it has little or no
tail. It possesses enormous muscular power; and as its body is defended
by a thick, tough hide, it can force its way through the dense underwood
where no other creature can penetrate. Generally it moves in a trot,
but when pursued breaks into an awkward gallop, carrying its head
downwards, like the hog.
Its chief enemy is the fierce jaguar, which, leaping on its back,
endeavours to bring it to the ground. The tapir, on being seized, darts
through the forest, attempting to destroy its foe, and dislodge it from
its back by rushing under the low boughs of the trees. Should this
fail, and water be near, it quickly frees itself by diving down--as the
jaguar, unable to dive, must either let go its hold or be drowned.
Of a peaceful and harmless disposition, it never willingly attacks man
or beast; but when hunted and brought to bay, it will defend itself
desperately, frequently inflicting, with its strong teeth, severe wounds
on its assailants.