Project Noah

Happy World Tapir Day! Held every year on April 27, this quirky and heartwarming day shines a spotlight on one of the animal kingdom’s most underrated creatures: the tapir.
Often described as a mix between a pig, an anteater, and a tiny elephant (thanks to that adorable prehensile snout), tapirs have actually been around for millions of years. They’re ancient mammals, with fossil records dating back to the time when horses and rhinos were just starting out.
Today, there are four species—three in Central and South America and one in Southeast Asia—and all of them play a crucial role in their ecosystems. Think of them as “gardeners of the forest,” spreading seeds and helping plants grow simply by going about their daily lives.
World Tapir Day isn’t just about appreciating how cute and fascinating these animals are (though that’s definitely part of it). It’s also about raising awareness. Tapirs face serious threats from habitat loss and hunting. Conservationists use this day to highlight efforts to protect them and their homes.
The celebration itself is wonderfully wholesome. Zoos, wildlife organizations, and animal lovers around the world share photos, fun facts, artwork, and stories about tapirs. You might see tapir-themed crafts, educational posts, or even birthday-style celebrations for tapirs in captivity.


Malayan Tapir, Tapirus indicus, photographed by Project Noah community member ShannaB in Australia.
https://projectnoah.org/spottings/malayan-tapir-1

Say Hi to this pair of Sri Lanka frogmouth birds (Scientific Name: Batrachostomus moniliger)! These birds were photographed in southwestern India by Project Noah community member sunnyjosef!

This species belongs to the family Podargidae, a lineage of nocturnal birds that split from other night birds like nightjars and owls. The ultimate master of disguise, Sri Lanka frogmouths often freeze in place as they camouflage with nearby branches through the help of their mottled, gray-brown feathers. Its famous name comes from its wide, frog-like mouth which helps it to easily capture flying insects. Endemic to Sri Lanka, this bird is perfectly adapted for nocturnal hunting. They lay 1-2 eggs on shallow nests, with both parents involved in incubation and caring for the chicks.

https://projectnoah.org/spottings/sri-lanka-frogmouth-0