Malayan Tapir – National Park’s Signature Animal

Observing wild animal especially acting strangely is an enjoyment. Although zoos can provide a haven for endangered animals but it made the different in National Park at Kuala Tahan. 

                             Malayan Tapir - Can see and touch

Relatively, the abundance and diversity of natural habitats in National Park is phenomenal and one of the world's most complex and rich ecosystems, which is the animals’ original environment.

Although it remains as the home of a large variety of wild life but Tapir is the only animal that can be seen and touch in Taman Negara. A night walk for spotting animals, rather seeing tapir is one of the extraordinary events for tourists. 

                                  Wake up after sleeping

The Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus) found in National Park, also called the Asian Tapir, and is one of the four species of Tapir in the world.

It’s interesting to note that the females Malayan Tapir are usually larger than the males. The largest one can weighs up to 550 kg, where its natural enemies are the tiger and man. 

                                                  Close look at Tapir

The Malayan Tapir is a large browsing mammal, similar in shape to a wild pig, with a short, prehensile snout. It’s native to Asia. 

The animal is easily identified by its dramatic coloration, most notably the light-colored “patch” which extends from its shoulders till its rear. The rest of its hair is black in color, except for the tips of its ears which is rimmed in white. 

                                                       Tapir lying down to sleep

The natural pattern of coloration is for camouflage to protect itself to be recognized as a tapir, and other enemies may mistake it for a large rock rather than a form of prey of animal when it is lying down to sleep.

One of the outstanding features of the Malayan tapir is it has rather poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell and it’s a friendly animal.

                                         Friendly Malayan Tapir

Although the Malayan Tapir made no respond while touching it, but the excitement of touching is indescribable and it’s for someone always looking for some new excitement. 

                           Real excitement in Taman Negara

For real excitement, come to National Park, Kuala Tahan and experience it for yourself. Certainly, you will be fascinated.