| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Baird’s Tapir | A large, plant-eating mammal found in Central America, also known as the “gardener of the forest.” |
| Conservation | Efforts to protect and preserve endangered species and their habitats. |
| Habitat Fragmentation | The process where large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated areas. |
An endangered baby Baird’s tapir was recently born at a zoo in southern Mexico, giving scientists a new glimmer of hope for the rare species.
The male calf was born at the Miguél Álvarez del Toro Zoo in Chiapas, Mexico. The birth is part of a special breeding program run with Mexico City’s Chapultepec Zoo to help save Central American tapirs from extinction.
The newborn weighed 18.5 pounds (8.4 kilograms) and is staying close to his mother, Coco. Zoo workers said the baby has started nursing. He is drinking colostrum, a special first milk that helps build a strong immune system.
Veterinarians are watching the duo around the clock because the first few weeks of a tapir’s life are the most dangerous.
‘Forest gardeners’ in trouble
This is only the second baby born since the zoo’s breeding program started. It is a big deal because tapirs rarely reproduce in captivity.
In the wild, Baird’s tapirs are in serious trouble. Experts estimate there are fewer than 4,500 adult tapirs left in the wild, with only about 230 living in the nearby Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains. They face major threats from poaching and deforestation, which destroys and breaks up their forest homes.
Losing tapirs would hurt the environment. These large mammals act as “forest gardeners” by eating fruits and spreading seeds, which helps new trees and plants grow.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Zoo | Zoológico |
| Program | Programa |
| Tapir | Tapir |
Time to discuss
- Why is the birth of a Baird’s tapir important for conservation efforts?
- What are some threats that tapirs face in the wild?
- How do zoos contribute to the conservation of endangered species?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- What role does a tapir play in its ecosystem?
- What steps can be taken to protect endangered species like the Baird’s tapir?
