A small and shy rabbit native to Central and South America, from southern Mexico all the way to northern Argentina. Unlike the familiar cottontail rabbits of North America that thrive in open fields and meadows, the tapeti prefers dense forests, thickets, and brushy areas, where its brownish-gray fur blends perfectly with the shadows and leaf litter.

What makes the tapeti stand out is its forest-dwelling lifestyle. While many rabbits rely on speed across open ground to escape predators, the tapeti depends on stealth and cover, darting silently through dense vegetation. Its ears are shorter than many other rabbits, reducing the risk of being snagged by thorns and branches in thick undergrowth. Instead of building complex burrows like European rabbits, tapetis often make shallow scrapes or use natural hiding spots under roots and brush piles for shelter.

The tapeti is a nocturnal forager, coming out at dusk and during the night to feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots. Its feeding habits are important for the forest ecosystem, as it helps shape plant growth and acts as prey for a wide variety of predators, including ocelots, foxes, hawks, and snakes. Mothers give birth to just a few young at a time, and the babies, called leverets, are born with fur and their eyes open—ready to fend for themselves much sooner than many other mammals.

Because of its shy and secretive nature, locals often hear it rustling in the brush long before they see it. Its short, cottony white tail flashes when it runs, giving it the nickname “cottontail,” just like its North American cousins. In some regions, it has been hunted for food, but in folklore it is also seen as a symbol of agility and cleverness—able to vanish into the forest in the blink of an eye.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brazil

EN

2018

Pernambuco