They bulldoze tunnels in jungle undergrowth. Tapirs are often hunted by humans. Tapirs can live about 30 years. Tapirs may be solitary or live in small family groups. Baby tapirs stay with their mothers about two years.
Nobody knows if tapirs mate for life.
Mountain tapirs have the longest hair, about one inch. Tapirs have very tough skin, like hard leather. A tapir pulls food into its mouth with its flexible nose. Man is by far the tapir's worst enemy. Much of the tapirs' habitat has been destroyed.