World Tapir Day has been established to raise awareness about the four species of tapir that inhabit Central and South America and South East Asia. Each of the four species is in decline and is threatened by human activity such as mining, deforestation, farming and hunting.
Tapirs play an important role in their ecosystems and are one of the oldest surviving genera in the animal kingdom, but despite their size, history and ecological importance, tapirs remain one of the least recognised species of animals. In comparison with other animals, tapirs feature little in the collective consciousness and are frequently misidentified by zoo visitors. Even in their home ranges, tapirs receive little attention, with exotic species featuring more prominently in zoos, children's books and the media.
The plight of tapirs is symbolic for the wider threat to their habitats specifically, and the world's ecology in general. The decline of tapir populations is indicative of the general health of their ranges - their disappearance from their home ranges often marks a point of 'no return' for the natural environment. The destruction of forests into small, isolated enclaves and the encroachment of human activity into pristine forests affects all native species. However, as the largest - yet one of the most secretive - of animals in their ranges, tapirs' disappearance is often not noticed until it is too late.
For further information, please visit the World Tapir Day website at http://www.tapirday.org/
To organise an interview, please contact Anthony Long on +61 (0)431 938255, or by email at media@tapirday.org
All tapirs are endangered species. Saving tapirs helps to save the rainforest. Saving rainforests helps to save the planet and prevent climate change.
