A female normally has one calf every second year. Twins are rare. At birth, a calf weighs about 4-7kg. The young remain in a well-sheltered spot, but after about a week begin to follow their mother. They remain with their mother for about 1 year and nurse for at least 6 months.
Young tapirs have a different coat pattern than adults.
It is dark reddish-brown with yellow and white stripes and spots. This pattern is normally lost around 6 months. Tapirs become sexually mature at about 3-4 years of age. Behavior Tapirs are shy and docile animals that frighten easily. They are primarily solitary but at times small tapir families have been seen in the wild.