Japanese tapir (SciiFii)

The Japanese tapir (Tapirus japonicus), also known as the baku, is a species of tapir that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across Japan to help boost biodiversity. The Japanese tapir is most closely related to the Malayan tapir (Acrocodia incidus). The Japanese tapir can grow to be about 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length, but can range between 1.8 and 2.5 meters (5.9 and 8.2 feet), not counting a stubby, vestigal tail of 5–13 cm (2.0–5.1 in), and 73–120 centimeters (2.40–3.94 feet) in height. Body mass in adults can range from 150 to 400 kilograms (330 to 880 lbs). Like the other species of tapirs, they have small, stubby tails and long, flexible proboscises. They have four toes on each front foot, and three toes on each back foot. Like all tapirs of its genus Tapirus, the Japanese tapir is a herbivore, feeding on a wide range of plants, including leaves, fruits, grasses, and bromeliads. The Japanese tapir may be active at all hours, but is primarily nocturnal. It forages for vegetation, using well-worn tapir paths which zig-zag through the thick undergrowth of the forest. The animal usually stays close to water and enjoys swimming and wading – on especially hot days, individuals will rest in a watering hole for hours with only their heads above water. It generally leads a solitary life, though feeding groups are not uncommon, and individuals, especially those of different ages (young with their mothers, juveniles with adults) are often observed together. The animals communicate with one another through shrill whistles and squeaks. The gestation period is about 400 days, after which one offspring is born. Multiple births are extremely rare. The babies, as with many species of tapir, have reddish-brown hair with white spots and stripes, a camouflage which affords them excellent protection in the dappled light of the forest. This pattern is retained in the adult coloration. For the first week of their lives, infant Japanese tapirs are hidden in secluded locations while their mothers forage for food, and return periodically to nurse them. Later, the young follow their mothers on feeding expeditions. At three weeks of age, the young are able to swim. Weaning occurs after one year, and sexual maturity is usually reached six to 12 months later. Japanese tapirs can live for over 30 years. The main predators of the Japanese tapirs includes bears and Hokkaido wolves, to name a few. The conservation status of the Japanese tapir is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the Japanese tapir's wide range.