Tapirs are small hoofed Mammals with long rubbery noses. An ancient Malay myth says that Tapirs were made from odds and ends of other Animals. Plum and short-legged, They look like large Pigs but They are not relatives of Swine. These shy forest inhabitants are relatives of Horse and Rhinoceros. The name “tapir” comes from a Brazilian Indian word meaning “thick”, referring to their tough hides. In addition, Brazilians claim that the stones from tapirs’ stomachs have medicinal powers.
Tapirs like to bathe, and will walk under water. Excellent swimmers, They use their snouts to sniff out food and bring plants to their mouths for eating. Because their trunks are so flexible, They can explore inside a circle without moving their heads. To get to the water, Tapirs will slide down steep hillsides in dense forests. They also wear down paths on the riverbanks above their water holes.
These Mammals have remained unchanged for over 35 million years. Built like small tanks, Tapirs out maneuver most anything in their path. Crashing through the jungles, They bulldoze tunnels, in the dense underground, to their eating areas. Strong and agile runners, Tapirs can easily evade Dogs and other predators, by climbing hills and fences.
Not very well-known to people, Tapirs remain a mystery. When these shy Mammals smell other animals in the area, They quickly disappear. Today, people who study Tapirs are still learning new things abut these ancient mammals.
Some Malay hunters believe that Tapirs have special powers to become elusive. Although, They are ancient, many people know little about Tapirs. They want it that way to evade danger. Learn the lessons of being elusive from Tapirs.
Wisdom from Tapir Family Includes:
Be Sensitive to Unseen Things
Listen to Subtle Messages
Be Balanced in Life
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009
From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:
Finding Your Animal Teachers
Animals For Everyone: Mammals
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