Tapiridae is a family of large, herbivorous mammals known as tapirs. They are native to Central and South America, as well as Southeast Asia. Tapirs have a distinctive body shape, with a stout body, short legs, and a long, flexible snout that resembles a trunk. They primarily inhabit forests and grasslands, where they feed on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants. There are four extant species of tapirs: the Brazilian tapir, the Baird's tapir, the Malayan tapir, and the mountain tapir. Tapirs are generally solitary animals and are excellent swimmers, often using water to escape predators. They play a crucial role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds through their diet.