Baird's tapir
(Tapirus bairdii)

Baird's tapir is the largest of the American tapirs and the largest indigenous mammal in Central America . Tapirs are well known for their elongated, flexible upper lip that is extended into a proboscis , resembling a shorter version of an elephant's trunk . These animals are 'living fossils'; the group has changed little in body shape over the past 35 million years , although recent evidence suggests the proboscis may be a more recent addition . Baird's tapir has a barrel-shaped body and stocky legs . Adults have bristly, short dark hair and dark-grey coloured skin , apart from the pale grey-yellow cheeks and throat, and the white-tipped ears . Newborn tapirs have a reddish brown coat with white stripes and spots . Tapirs support their weight on three spread-out toes on the back feet and four on the front .