# Malayan tapir

> The black-and-white tapir is Asia’s only tapir. Forest, water, and safe movement space support its life in Sumatra.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/malayan-tapir/ · Updated 7 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/tapir-asia/
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**Review status:** Approved by team on 2026-10-07. Approval covers this version’s narrative, facts, quick answers and recorded locations in both languages.

## Quick answer

The Malayan tapir (*Tapirus indicus*) is a mammal in the family Tapiridae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra, south of Lake Toba. Diet: herbivore; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Endangered. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Tapirus indicus* |
| Indonesian name | Tapir Asia |
| Group | Mammals |
| Family | Tapiridae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, south of Lake Toba |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Feature | Short, flexible snout |
| Indonesian range | Sumatra |
| IUCN status | Endangered · [Mandai — Malayan tapir](https://www.mandai.com/en/discover-mandai/events/stars-of-mandai/bayu.html) |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 118 |
| Body size | 1.8–2.5 m long; up to 320 kg (largest tapir) · [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir species](https://tapirs.org/tapirs/) |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — browser: leaves, shoots, twigs and fruit · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tapirus_indicus/) |
| Reproduction | Giving birth to live young (viviparous) · [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/) |
| Observance days | [World Tapir Day (27 April)](https://panduanhewan.org/en/animal-days-calendar/#hari-tapir-sedunia) |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · [Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Tapiridae: Tapirus indicus account (Plazi treatment)](https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/xhtml/039CED53FFC4FF88FA5021E814549604) |

## An Asian tapir, not a pig

A flexible snout helps a tapir grasp vegetation. Although its body may remind people of a pig, it belongs to Tapiridae. Tapirus indicus is distinct from American tapirs; distribution and conservation information about those species should not be transferred to this Sumatran animal.

Evidence: [San Diego Zoo — Tapir biology](https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tapir) · [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir species](https://tapirs.org/tapirs/)

## Colour that breaks up the outline

Adult Malayan tapirs have distinctive black-and-white markings. The specialist group’s Tapir Tracks educational guide explains that this contrast breaks up their outline in dim forest light. This is a camouflage explanation; a feature conspicuous in an open photograph need not be equally visible among forest shadows.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir Tracks, Malayan tapir, pp. 34–35](https://tapirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/TAPIR-TRACKS-A-Curriculum-Guide-for-Educators.pdf)

## Forest and water

Tapirs eat vegetation and use forest with access to water. In Indonesia, this species occurs in Sumatra. Habitat planning needs food, shelter, and routes between them rather than isolated sighting points. A route that appears empty to people may still be part of an animal’s movement space.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir Tracks, Malayan tapir, pp. 34–35](https://tapirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/TAPIR-TRACKS-A-Curriculum-Guide-for-Educators.pdf) · [San Diego Zoo — Tapir biology](https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tapir)

## Roads and snares

The specialist group discusses vehicle collisions, wire snares and fragmentation using Malaysian records. Mandai also identifies forest loss and collisions as species threats. The Malaysian example identifies hazards but does not measure their scale in Sumatra; Indonesian crossing assessments need local evidence and management cooperation.

Evidence: [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir species](https://tapirs.org/tapirs/) · [Mandai — Malayan tapir conservation](https://www.mandai.com/en/discover-mandai/events/stars-of-mandai/bayu.html)

## Observe without blocking

Tapirs can move rapidly and defend themselves, as San Diego Zoo explains. PanduanHewan recommends giving space, avoiding pursuit and recording encounter conditions from a safe distance. For an injured animal on a road, follow the dedicated help guide and contact responders; do not attempt to lift or move a tapir yourself.

Evidence: [San Diego Zoo — Tapir biology](https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tapir)

## Scientific classification of the Malayan tapir

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Perissodactyla |
| Family | Tapiridae |
| Genus | *Tapirus* |
| Species | *Tapirus indicus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Malayan tapir

### What is the scientific name of the Malayan tapir?

The scientific name of the Malayan tapir is *Tapirus indicus*, in the family Tapiridae. In Indonesian it is called Tapir Asia.

### What kind of animal is the Malayan tapir?

The Malayan tapir is a mammal in the family Tapiridae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a browser: leaves, shoots, twigs and fruit.

### Where does the Malayan tapir live in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Malayan tapir in: Sumatra, south of Lake Toba.

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/).

### What does the Malayan tapir eat?

Diet of the Malayan tapir: herbivore. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tapirus_indicus/).

### How does the Malayan tapir reproduce?

The Malayan tapir reproduces by giving birth to live young (viviparous). Source: [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/).

### Is the Malayan tapir nocturnal?

The cited source records the Malayan tapir as nocturnal (active at night). Source: [Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Tapiridae: Tapirus indicus account (Plazi treatment)](https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/xhtml/039CED53FFC4FF88FA5021E814549604).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What are the main features of the Malayan tapir?

Key features of the Malayan tapir, from this guide’s sources: Feature: short, flexible snout; Body size: 1.8–2.5 m long; up to 320 kg (largest tapir).

### How big is the Malayan tapir?

Body size: 1.8–2.5 m long; up to 320 kg (largest tapir). Source: [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir species](https://tapirs.org/tapirs/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Malayan tapir?

Scientific classification of the Malayan tapir: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Mammalia, order Perissodactyla, family Tapiridae, genus *Tapirus*, species *Tapirus indicus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Malayan tapir endangered?

Yes. The global conservation status of the Malayan tapir: Endangered. In the IUCN system, this category means it is considered to face a very high risk of extinction in the wild. Source: [Mandai — Malayan tapir](https://www.mandai.com/en/discover-mandai/events/stars-of-mandai/bayu.html).

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the Malayan tapir protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is the Malayan tapir protected in Indonesia?

Yes. The Malayan tapir (*Tapirus indicus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 118).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can the Malayan tapir be kept as a pet?

No. Because the Malayan tapir is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir species](https://tapirs.org/tapirs/)
2. [San Diego Zoo — Tapir biology](https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/tapir)
3. [Mandai — Malayan tapir conservation](https://www.mandai.com/en/discover-mandai/events/stars-of-mandai/bayu.html)
4. [IUCN SSC Tapir Specialist Group — Tapir Tracks, Malayan tapir, pp. 34–35](https://tapirs.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/TAPIR-TRACKS-A-Curriculum-Guide-for-Educators.pdf)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Tapirus_indicus/)
7. [Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Mammalia/)
8. [Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2 Hoofed Mammals (Wilson & Mittermeier eds., Lynx Edicions 2011), Tapiridae: Tapirus indicus account (Plazi treatment)](https://treatment.plazi.org/GgServer/xhtml/039CED53FFC4FF88FA5021E814549604)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Malayan tapir: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/malayan-tapir/) — World Animal Rescue Network.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Sumatran tiger](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sumatran-tiger/)
- [Sumatran elephant](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sumatran-elephant/)
- [Finding an Animal Injured on the Road](https://panduanhewan.org/en/emergency/animal-road-injury/)
- [Sunda clouded leopard](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/sunda-clouded-leopard/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Malayan tapir. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/malayan-tapir/