16/06/2025
Let’s take a joyful little walk into the forests of Costa Rica and meet a very special (and adorably odd-looking) resident: the Baird’s tapir, known locally as the danta.
🌿 Who is the Baird’s Tapir?
The Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is the largest land mammal in Central America—and yes, it lives right here in Costa Rica’s lush rainforests. With its short, bristly fur, a sturdy body, and a snout that looks like a mini elephant trunk, this gentle giant seems like a creature straight out of a fairytale. It can weigh up to 600 pounds and still tiptoe through the jungle like a whisper on the wind.
🌺 Where Can You Spot One?
Your best chances of seeing a tapir in the wild are in Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula, Monteverde, and the Caribbean lowland rainforests. Corcovado is often described as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth—and the tapir is a crown jewel of its wildlife lineup.
🌙 Nighttime Wanderer
Tapirs are mostly nocturnal and crepuscular—meaning they come out around dusk and at night. They're solitary by nature and quietly browse on leaves, fruits, and twigs. They're kind of the jungle’s introverts: peaceful, quiet, and perfectly content munching in solitude.
🌊 Nature’s Swimmer
Surprise! Tapirs are excellent swimmers and love water. They often plunge into rivers and streams to cool off, escape predators, or simply enjoy a good soak—kind of like a spa day in the jungle!
🌱 Why They Matter
Tapirs are known as “gardeners of the forest” because they help disperse seeds through their dung (yes, they have glamorous jobs). Without tapirs, many plant species wouldn’t spread so well. They're vital to forest health and biodiversity.
⚠️ A Gentle Giant in Danger
Sadly, the Baird’s tapir is classified as Endangered. Habitat loss, hunting, and road construction are big threats. But the good news is, Costa Rica’s national parks, conservation efforts, and environmental awareness are all helping to protect these beautiful creatures.
So next time you hear rustling in the jungle at twilight, it just might be a tapir quietly going about its magical, leafy business. If you're lucky enough to see one, consider it a real Pura Vida moment—a rare and heartwarming encounter with one of Costa Rica’s most precious wild souls.