The giant tapir (Tapirus indicus), also known as the Malayan tapir, is the largest extant member of the order Perissodactyla. Classified in the family Tapiridae, it is the sole tapir species native to Southeast Asia, occurring in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo. Its distinctive black and white coloration—black on the front half and a stark white patch extending from the shoulders to the hindquarters—provides camouflage in dappled forest light. Giant tapirs inhabit lowland tropical rainforests, peat swamp forests, and adjacent grasslands, preferring dense understory near water sources. Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, they rely on a keen sense of smell and hearing rather than vision. The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN due to rapid habitat loss and hunting pressure, with an estimated wild population of fewer than 2,500 mature individuals. Conservation actions focus on habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, and community education programs.

Giant tapirs are solitary for most of the year, with adult males and females maintaining overlapping home ranges that can span 10–30 km² depending on habitat quality. They are primarily nocturnal, becoming active at dusk to forage and retreat to dense cover during daylight. Territorial marking is achieved through scent glands on the snout and preorbital region, leaving secretions on vegetation and the ground. Communication is limited to low-frequency vocalizations such as grunts and snorts, which are used during mating encounters or when a mother signals her calf. Home range fidelity is high; individuals often use the same riverbank trails and feeding sites year after year, demonstrating strong spatial memory. Seasonal movements are modest, generally limited to short forays toward water during dry periods.

The giant tapir is a strict herbivore, consuming a diverse array of plant material. Its diet includes fallen fruits such as figs, durian, and rambutan, as well as leaves, twigs, bark, and aquatic vegetation. Seasonal shifts occur: during the wet season, fruit makes up to 60% of intake, while in the dry season bark and mature leaves dominate. An adult tapir can ingest up to 30 kg of vegetation daily, selecting high‑fiber, low‑toxicity items. Feeding is primarily ground‑based; the tapir uses its flexible, prehensile snout to grasp foliage and its large, padded feet to navigate soft forest floors. Water intake is high, and the species often feeds near streams, supplementing its diet with aquatic plants. Digestive efficiency is aided by a large, multi‑chambered stomach that ferments cellulose, similar to ruminants.

Giant tapirs reach sexual maturity at about 3–4 years for females and 4–5 years for males. Breeding occurs year‑round but peaks during the rainy season when food is abundant. Mating is brief, lasting only a few minutes, after which the male departs. The gestation period is approximately 13 months (390–410 days), one of the longest among terrestrial mammals. Females give birth to a single calf, weighing 10–12 kg, which is concealed in dense vegetation for the first 2–3 weeks. The mother nurses the calf for 6–12 months, during which time the young learns to forage and navigate the forest floor. Calves become independent at around 18 months but may remain within the mother’s range for up to two years. Reproductive rates are low, contributing to the species’ vulnerability to population declines.

The IUCN classifies the giant tapir as Endangered, with an estimated decline of over 30% in the past three generations. Primary threats include habitat loss from logging, oil palm plantation expansion, and infrastructure development, which fragment the continuous forest needed for foraging and movement. Illegal hunting for meat and traditional medicine persists despite legal protection in all range countries. Road mortality is increasing as new highways cut through forest corridors. Climate change exacerbates peat swamp drying, reducing water‑dependent habitats. Conservation initiatives involve establishing protected areas such as Taman Negara and Gunung Mulu, implementing anti‑poaching patrols, and promoting sustainable land‑use practices. Population surveys using camera traps suggest fewer than 2,500 mature individuals remain, underscoring the urgency of coordinated regional action.

• The giant tapir’s black‑and‑white coloration is unique among tapirs and provides disruptive camouflage.
• It has the longest gestation period of any land mammal, lasting about 13 months.
• Despite its size, the tapir can run up to 30 km/h over short distances.
• Its prehensile snout functions like a hand, allowing precise manipulation of foliage.
• Giant tapirs are excellent swimmers and often cross rivers to reach feeding sites.