THE TAPIR. 



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The common or American TAPIR, sometimes called the Mbdrebi, is a native of tropical 

 America, where it is found in great numbers, inhabiting the densely wooded regions that 

 fringe the banks of rivers. It is a great water-lover, and can swim or dive with perfect 

 ease. Although a large animal, being nearly four feet in height, and very strongly made 

 it falls a victim to many destroyers, the jaguar being the most terrible of its enemies. 

 It is said that when the jaguar leaps upon the Tapir's back, the affrighted animal rushes 

 through the brushwood in hopes of sweeping away its deadly foe, and if it be fortunate 

 enough to gain the river's bank, will plunge into the water, and force the jaguar, who is 

 no diver, to relinquish his hold. The tough, thick hide, with which the Tapir is covered, 

 is of great service in enabling the animal to pursue its headlong course through the 

 forest without suffering injury from the branches. When it runs, it carries its head 

 very low, as does the wild boar under similar circumstances. 



TAPIR. Taplrus terrestris. 



In disposition the Tapir is very gentle, and does not attack human beings except 

 when wounded and driven to bay. It then becomes a fierce and determined opponent, 

 and is capable of inflicting severe wounds with its powerful teeth. The hunter's dogs 

 are often dangerously wounded by the teeth of the despairing Tapir. The voice of the 

 Tapir is a curious shrill kind of whistling sound, which is but seldom uttered. The 

 senses of the animal are very acute, and its sight, hearing, and scent appear to be equally 

 sensitive. During the daytime it is seldom seen, preferring to lie quietly hidden in 

 the deep underwood during the hotter hours of the day, and to emerge at night in order 

 to obtain food and meet its companions. The nocturnal journeys which the Tapir will 

 make are of considerable extent, and the animal proceeds straight onwards, heedless 

 of bank or river, surmounting the one and swimming the other with equal ease. The 

 food of the Tapir is generally of a vegetable nature, and consists of young branches 

 and various wild fruits, such as gourds and melons. 



