Discovery
Although not formally described until 2013, the possibility that T. kabomani might be a distinct species had been suggested as early as 100 years prior. The first specimen currently recognized as a member of this species was collected on the Roosevelt–Rondon Scientific Expedition. Roosevelt (1914) believed they had collected a new species, local hunters recognized two types of tapir in the region (Roosevelt, 1914), and another member of the expedition, Leo E. Miller, suggested that two species were present. Nevertheless, though observed by experts, all tapirs from the expedition have been consistently treated as T. terrestris including specimen AMNH 36661, which were identified as T. kabomani. The species was formally described in 2013 and it was the first tapir species discovered since 1865 and the first new mammal for decades.