QUICK FACT: The smallest of the four tapir species and the only one adapted to cold, high-altitude Andes habitats.

THREATS: Dog attacks and deadly screwworm infections are causing alarming mortality in parts of its range.

IMPORTANCE: A “forest engineer” that disperses seeds and shapes Andean forest structure and diversity.

Photo credit: Camilo Botero

QUICK FACT: The smallest of the four tapir species and the only one adapted to cold, high-altitude Andes habitats.

THREATS: Dog attacks and deadly screwworm infections are causing alarming mortality in parts of its range.

IMPORTANCE: A “forest engineer” that disperses seeds and shapes Andean forest structure and diversity.

Photo credit: Camilo Botero