Salt-lick Use by Wild Malayan Tapirs (tapirus Indicus): Behavior and Social Interactions at Salt Licks

Salt-lick use and behavior around salt licks of wild Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) were studied using infrared sensor cameras in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, Malaysia, to observe different aspects of the ecology and behavior of this otherwise very elusive mammal for which we know little. All tapirs recorded at the salt licks were adult-sized individuals, and they were observed at night. Water-drinking behavior was observed in 73% of the captures at the salt licks, suggesting that they visited the salt licks for physiological needs, e.g., to supplement plant-based diet by drinking water containing minerals. Only one or two tapirs (male–female combination) were recorded at the same time; no same-sex individuals were recorded at the same time though both tapirs could be confidently sexed in 48% of the 88 captures containing records with two tapirs. Seven males and six females were identified. Each identified individual visited 1–3 salt licks, and multiple identified males and females were recorded at the same salt lick, suggesting the overlap of their home ranges. They were recorded around the studied salt licks once per 36 days on average, though they could visit other salt licks, too. The frequency varied across individuals (once per 11–204). Analyses of one-night tapir recordings suggested that one particular individual or one male–female pair occupied a salt lick for 3–4 h, indicating their exclusive behavior particularly between same-sex individuals. The results revealed the frequent salt-lick use by tapirs, suggesting importance of salt licks for their survival and social interactions.