THE SOUTH AMERICAN TAPIR 125 



chosen as the representative of the only Family of odd-toed 

 Ungulates existing on this continent. It takes kindly to 

 captivity, grows rapidly, and always manages to look well- 

 fed, and as sleek as a seal. Its color is a rich mahogany brown, 

 its head is long and triangular, and its long, prehensile nose, 

 ever soliciting something to eat, is strongly suggestive of the 

 end of an elephant's trunk. The shoulder height of a full- 

 grown animal is about 37 inches. 



The species best known to the world inhabits Venezuela, 

 the Guianas, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and the northern por- 

 tion of the Argentine Republic. Although tapirs are usually 

 found along small and well-shaded rivers in the hot lowlands 

 of the tropics, they are also frequently found on forest-covered 

 mountains. They are exceedingly shy and wary, and under 

 all circumstances are difficult to find. Without dogs it is 

 almost impossible to outwit them. When attacked they al- 

 ways head for the nearest stream, and plunge into the water 

 for concealment. Their food consists of soft and fleshy 

 plants which grow in or within easy reach of streams and in 

 dense forests where the humidity is great. The flesh of all 

 tapirs is said to be very palatable, and in South America it 

 is much sought by hunters. 



The South American Tapir thrives in captivity, either 

 with a bath-tank or without, and breeds. In 1903 a pair bred 

 in the National Zoological Park, at Washington, and the off- 

 spring survived. 



