In Nheegatu, the language commonly known as Língua Geral Amazônica, tapirê-iauara can be translated as Tapir Water-Lady, or as Tapir Nymph.” This creature enjoys a wide distribution in the Amazonian Region, from the Orinoco in Venezuela down the Amazon River up to Pará.
Habitat-wise, the tapirê-iauara prefers slower-moving waters, near mangrove or palm trees, and avoids human settlements.
In the past, fear of this creature forced locals out of many nutrient-rich floodplain systems (várzea...