One of our greatest allies in the fight against climate change is the tapir. These mammals resemble pigs, but they’re related to horses and rhinos and have a distinct trunk which they use to grab leaves and fruit. Like many other animals, tapirs consume fruit and disperse seeds through their scat. Up to 122 plant species can be found in their dung.
What sets tapirs apart is the quality of their seed dispersion. The large mammals are able to eat bigger fruit. These tend to have seeds which sprout slow-growing trees with denser wood, which absorb more carbon from the atmosphere. Experts believe that tapirs alone may be integral to helping countries meet their commitment to climate change agreements. That’s a remarkable accomplishment for an animal many don’t even know exist.
As a result of habitat loss and hunting, tapirs are disappearing. Out of four species of tapirs, three are endangered and one is vulnerable. For over 20 million years, these primitive animals have roamed across Central and South America and Asia, preserving their ecosystems. We can’t let them stop now.
Footage by the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative was used in the creation of this film.
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