Retrospective Review On Captive Breeding Of Malayan Tapir In Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Center, Peninsular Malaysia From 2004 To 2020

Malaysia started a Malayan tapir breeding program in ex-situ and semi-wild facilities in 2004 at the Sungai Dusun Wildlife Conservation Center (SDWCC). This study assesses the breeding pattern and frequencies of the Malayan tapir in the SDWCC from 2004 to 2020. Within 16 years, 16 calves were produced from founders consisting of four males and seven females. Usually, a Malayan tapir produces one calf per pregnancy; however, a twin birth was recorded in 2007. The analysis of the reproductive pattern showed that the average calving interval was 20.9 months and birth occurred between February to June and October to December. No birth occurs between July to September. The average gestation period of Malayan tapir was approximately 13 months. Therefore, mating likely occurred between December to April and August to October. This information is vital for understanding the breeding pattern of Malayan Tapir in captivity for conservation and management purposes