Ep 13. Malayan Tapir
- October 26, 2015
- 11 min
Leo The Wildlife Ranger season 1 episode 13, titled "Malayan Tapir," follows Leo and his friend Kiki as they travel to Malaysia's Endau-Rompin National Park to learn about the endangered Malayan tapir. The episode begins with Leo and Kiki hiking through the dense jungle, pointing out various plants and animals they come across on their way to the research station.
Once they arrive, they meet with Dr. Ahmad, a researcher who has been studying Malayan tapirs in the park for several years. Dr. Ahmad explains to Leo and Kiki that tapirs are unique animals with long snouts that they use to grab foliage and fruits. They're also good swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for several minutes. However, the Malayan tapir is currently threatened by habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict, making it critically endangered.
Leo and Kiki accompany Dr. Ahmad on one of his research expeditions where they get to observe a group of tapirs in their natural habitat. They watch as the animals move through the forest, using their long snouts to forage for food. They even get to witness a tapir taking a swim in a nearby river.
After the expedition, Leo and Kiki sit down with Dr. Ahmad to learn more about the conservation efforts being made to protect the Malayan tapir. Dr. Ahmad explains that one of the biggest challenges they face is human-wildlife conflict. Tapirs are known to raid crops, which can cause conflict with farmers. To help mitigate this issue, Dr. Ahmad and his team have been working with local farmers to find ways to prevent tapirs from entering their fields.
Leo and Kiki also learn about the Endau-Rompin National Park's efforts to protect tapir habitat. The park has set up a conservation program that includes patrols to prevent poaching and habitat destruction. They've also been working with local schools to educate children about the importance of conservation and the role tapirs play in the ecosystem.
Throughout the episode, Leo and Kiki engage in various activities that make the learning experience fun and interactive. They play a game of "spot the tapir" where they have to identify different tapir markings and they even get to try some traditional Malay food. By the end of the episode, Leo and Kiki have gained a newfound appreciation for the Malayan tapir and the importance of conservation efforts to protect this unique animal.
Overall, "Malayan Tapir" is an educational and engaging episode that teaches children about the importance of conservation and the efforts being made to protect endangered species. With its stunning visuals and interactive activities, it's sure to capture the attention of young viewers and inspire them to become wildlife advocates.