Apparently April 27th is World Tapir Day!
The [uglorable] mascot of world tapir day.
From their press release:
- 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.
Tapirs are really neat, wonderful creatures. All four species of tapir are either endangered, or vulnerable of becoming endangered. It’s great to see efforts to raise awareness!
They’ve also got a cafe press store, profits of which go to support the Belize Zoo’s conservation program. I wouldn’t normally think of getting a cafe press shirt, but the mascot is so cute!
Link to the homepage of World Tapir Day
Thanks Anthony!
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1 comment so far ↓
I love Tapirs. They are adorable and I think related to guinea pigs. I love the way they look with their little deer legs and their piglet bodies.
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