Extremely fond of salt found in rocks or salt pans, the Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) grazes on aquatic vegetation, tender grasses, buds, leaves and fruits. In cultivated areas, it attacks cereals as well as vegetable plantations. It has a poor vision but very keen senses of hearing and smell as well as a sensitive and extremely mobile muzzle. It plays an essential role in the dissemination of seeds through its excrement and in the regeneration of forests.