Baby Tapir, and The Adventures Of Tenuk the Tapir - Conservation for Kids
The magical Baird's Tapir is an extraordinary endangered species. This book aims to inspire the next generation to ensure its survival
Book by Lee 'Leroy' Mcloughlin,
Punta Gorda, Belize
I am conservationist with a deep passion for Belize working in the forests, rives, lagoons and reefs of Belize for 8 years. Initially focusing on Protected Areas Management with the Ya'axché Conservation Trust, I worked with their incredible ranger team learning about the local wildlife, their habitat and what needed to be done to protect it. The complexity of this led me to realise that these solutions required not just enforcement but also education and awareness.
To contribute to the Kickstarter project to get this book printed, click here.
The Baird's Tapir is one of planet earth's weirdest and most wonderful species. With its short stubby tail and long flexible trunk, this charismatic nocturnal animal loves to forage for fruit in the forest, and swim in rivers and watering holes. The small nation of Belize in Mesoamerica is one of the Tapir's last strongholds, largely due to it having 60% of its forest remaining. But just like elsewhere on the planet, loss of habitat and conflict with farmers are threatening the survival of the Tapir in Belize. are living in the midst of a global extinction crisis, and the earth is losing its biodiversity at an alarming rate. While our generation, and the generation before us, participated in creating this crisis, there is hope that the next generation can turn the tide, and reverse the damage. The survival of the Tapir depends on educating and empowering the next generation. The children of Belize must be taught the importance of protecting the Tapir, as well as other endangered species. We must teach them what they can do to help.
One of the best ways to educate and inspire children is through the power of stories. Picture books can help children to learn about important issues, by connecting emotionally to the exciting journies of the characters.
The is what brings us to the Adventures of Tenuk The Tapir. Whilst working at the Ya'axche Conservation Trust in Belize, I had the idea to write a book aimed at children between ages 5-9 that illustrates conservation themes and ideas in a fun and captivating way. To make as big an impact as possible, I secured the volunteer services of renowned Malaysian illustrator and artist, Teh Yew Kiang, to bring the story of Tenuk to life.
Together we developed the story and illustrations that follow the adventures of young Tenuk the Tapir, and his dangerous journey across a human landscape with both friends and foes. The story gives children an account of what we can do to coexist with nature rather than fight against it.
In the story Tenuk leaves the protection of his mother to find his own home, where he can start his own family. He is naive, and he soon has to learn the harsh realities of going it alone. In one scene, he is shocked to find humans cutting down his forest home and burning it, but he soon realises that not all humans are dangerous, and some can even help him to find his new home, where the cool river is shaded by trees.
But now, we need your help! We are raising the funds necessary to print this book and get it into the hands of children in Belize. Our plan is to publish at least 4000 colouring books and distribute them across Belize, targeting the areas and schools that can least afford to buy books. We need at least £1500 to cover the cost of printing, so that the story of Tenuk the Tapir will be read across the Belize, and have an impact on the future generation.
Tenuk, on behalf of all Belize's Tapirs thanks you for your support!
Risks and challenges:
The books will then be distributed to NGO's including the Ya'axche Conservation Trust and the Belize Zoo who can get the books out to rural schoolchildren. Distribution is targeted for the summer but tropical storms can make access difficult. Delays in reaching some remote locations may have to be postponed.
To read more about this book, click here!
Baby tapirs around the world are different in appareance from their parents!
A mother tapir gives birth to one calf after 13 months of pregnancy. The young tapir is able to stand on its feet in a couple of hours after birth and will be dependent on its mother for food and protection.
A calf can weigh up to 22 pounds and is brown in color with stripes on its entire body (like a watermelon), but it will fade out as it grows older. This pattern helps the young to camouflage in the forest from predators.
The Baird’s tapir is the national animal of Belize and is the largest herbivorous mammal in the rainforest. It is a nocturnal and solitary animal often seen feeding or taking a swim in rivers.
Photograph courtesy Lee 'Leroy' Mcloughlin
The Belize Tapir Project
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