Miotapirus fossil map
Where fossils of Miotapirus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 15 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 15 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Early mammals |
|---|---|
| Lived | 23.1–12.5 million years ago (Chattian to Serravallian) |
| Periods | Paleogene, Neogene |
| Family | Tapiridae |
| Named by | Schlaikjer 1937 |
| Fossil records | 14 occurrences at 6 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | United States |
| Rock formations | Temblor, Wildcat Hills Beds, Marsland, John Day |
About Miotapirus
Miotapirus harrisonensis is an extinct species of tapir lived during the early Miocene Epoch some 20 million years ago in North America.
Physically, Miotapirus was virtually identical to its modern relatives; with a length of 2 m (6 ft 8 in) it was approximately the same size as well. Most likely it was also nocturnal and very adaptable.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Miotapirus (revision 1338737895), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 23 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in. Wikidata: Q2014908.
