Baird's Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) The tapir, known in Belize as the "mountain cow," is a forest dweller, active mostly at night. It feeds on grasses, aquatic vegetation, leaves, and fruits of low-growing shrubs. Tapirs range over large territories and are excellent swimmers spending a fair amount of time in forest rivers. When surprised, they run for water and sometimes stamp their feet loudly and whistle.