A Swedish zoo Monday presented a new-born female lowland tapir, an endangered species that hails from Central and South America, according to dpa. The lowland tapir also known as the Brazilian tapir - or Tapirus terrestis - resemble pigs with trunks. Most tapirs born in captivity are males, so the staff at Oland Animal and Amusement Park were proud to announce the birth of the female tapir. The world's four tapir species are under threat due to pressure on their habitat and hunting. Central and South America are home to three tapir species while Southeast Asia is home to one, the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus). The zoo on the island of Oland off the east coast of Sweden is part of a worldwide programme aimed at saving the lowland tapir from extinction. Another Swedish zoo last week reported the birth of a male lowland tapir. He was born July 14 - the birthday of Crown Princess Victoria, and was therefore named Daniel in honour of Victoria's husband, Daniel Westling.
