ECOLOGY OF MALAYAN TAPIR IN HUAY KHA KHAENG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Abstract

Tapir known from Huay Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary inhabits all types of forests. Feeding area depends on the season. There are 2 types of feeding occurrence: feeds along permanent trail and feeds no pattern. Food plants are found at least 37 species. Feeding period usually starts from evening to early morning. In the afternoon, it rests in shade. In summer tapir is found of taking a bath in the stream more often than other seasons because of 2 main reasons: the hot temperature and the pest. Hunting by the man is major cause to decrease the tapir's population in this sanctuary.