Tapirs (also called bhadaks) are large mammals that look like wild hogs with ants' muzzle. In fact, the tapirs are neither, and they are most closely related to horses, rhinos and hippopotamus.
The word "tapir" comes from a native Brazilian language; It is "thick" referring to the animal's hide, according to the San Diego Zoo. According to the Random House Dictionary, "tapir" can be pronounced in at least two ways; It can be sung with "paper" or "reveal".
Following are the similarities it shares with
- They have round bodies, short legs and stubby tails, like a hippo. Their eyes and ears are small. Their front legs have four legs and each leg has three legs.
- Tapir's torso is actually his upper lip and nose. Tapirs can grab things with their trunks, somewhat like an elephant. They use them to pluck leaves and fruits from trees.
- When threatened, the tapirs will submerge themselves in a river and use their snout like a hippo.
- They are also social creatures and friendly with humans just like hippos.
