A
tapir ( or ) is a large,
herbivorous mammal, similar in shape to a
pig, with a short,
prehensile snout. Tapirs inhabit jungle and forest regions of
South America,
Central America, and
Southeastern Asia. The five extant
species of tapirs are the
Brazilian tapir, the
Malayan tapir, the
Baird's tapir, the
kabomani tapir, and the
mountain tapir. The four species that have been evaluated (the
Brazilian,
Malayan,
Baird's and
mountain tapir) are all classified as
endangered or
vulnerable. Their closest relatives are the other
odd-toed ungulates, which include
horses,
donkeys,
zebras and
rhinoceri.