Descended from a long and ancient lineage, tapirs are important tropical forest seed dispersers. However, all species are threatened to various degrees by habitat destruction and hunting. Written for wildlife biologists, ecologists, administrators, educators and local conservation officials in countries with tapir populations, its objective is to aid in their conservation by catalyzing conservation action. Providing a brief natural history of each species, it is additionally hoped that the contents of the Plan will stimulate further research into this fascinating group of animals.