Cryptic mammals caught on camera: assessing the utility of range wide camera trap data for conserving the endangered Asian tapir

•We conduct a camera trap-based range-wide species assessment for the Endangered Asian tapir (Tapirus indicus).•Tapir occurrence varied considerably: Malaysia (0.52–0.77); Sumatra (0.12–0.90); Thailand (0.00–0.65); and, Myanmar (0.00–0.26).•Tapirs were found to be widespread (recorded in 17 of the 19 study areas), but occurrence was negatively correlated with human disturbance.•By collating one of the largest camera trap data sets for a single species, we provide important information on one of Asia’s least studied species.