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Common tapeti
Common tapeti
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Common tapeti[1]
A black and brown rabbit in profile under leaves
Turvo State Park, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
An illustration of two brown rabbits in grass
Hand colored stone lithograph by John James Audubon, 1851
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Sylvilagus
Species:
S. brasiliensis
Binomial name
Sylvilagus brasiliensis
A map of South America and parts of North America with portions colored in to represent the range of the common tapeti
S. brasiliensis range (as traditionally defined, see text)
Synonyms

Lepus brasiliensis Linnaeus, 1758

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), also known as the Brazilian cottontail, forest cottontail, or (formerly) simply tapeti is a species of cottontail rabbit. It is small to medium-sized with a small, dark tail, short hind feet, and short ears. As traditionally defined, its range extends from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, but this includes several distinctive population that have since been split into separate species. Under this narrower definition, the true common tapeti only occurs in the Atlantic Rainforest of coastal northeastern Brazil and it is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN.[2] The American Society of Mammalogists concurs, but also tentatively classifies several distinct populations that have not yet received proper species names into S. brasiliensis, and so considers it to range from Venezuela south to Argentina.[3]

Taxonomy

[edit]

The species was first described scientifically by Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae, published in 1753.[4] The type locality was in Pernambuco, Brazil.[1] In addition to its vernacular name "tapeti", it commonly known as the "forest cottontail"[5] or "Brazilian cottontail".[6]

As many as 37 subspecies of the tapeti have been described,[7] but in 2005, Mammal Species of the World recognized 21, having placed the remaining in synonymy and considering Dice's cottontail (S. dicei) as a separate species.[1] Nevertheless, the tapeti as traditionally defined is a species complex[8] and it was already recognized in 1990 that a taxonomic review was necessary.[2] Consequently, recent authorities have recommended splitting off several taxa typically considered subspecies of the tapeti and recognizing them as separate species: S. andinus in the Andean highlands of Ecuador (perhaps also in the Andes of Colombia, Venezuela, and northern Peru),[7] S. gabbi (with subspecies truei) from Panama to Mexico,[9] S. sanctaemartae in the lowlands of northern Colombia,[8] and S. tapetillus from coastal southeastern Brazil.[7] Additionally, cottontail rabbits from the Guianas have not been clearly assigned to a subspecies, but are traditionally included in the tapeti. In 2017, these were described as a new species, S. parentum, based on specimens from Suriname.[8]

Description

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Taxidermied brown rabbit
Taxidermied specimen at the Museo Civico di Storia Naturale Giacomo Doria, Genoa, Italy

The common tapeti is a small- to medium-sized rabbit. It has a head-body length of 320 mm (13 in), a tail that is 21 mm (0.83 in), hind feet measuring 71 mm (2.8 in), and ears that are 54 mm (2.1 in) (measured from notch to tip). It weighs an average of 934 g (32.9 oz). The color of its back is brown with a speckled appearance (resulting from the black hair tips), and it has a rufous spot on its neck. Its belly and tail undersides are also rufous. It has six mammae.[6] Two different karyotypes have been reported for this species: 2n=36, FN=68; and 2n=40, FN=76.[1]

It is a solitary, nocturnal, or more accurately crepuscular animal usually seen after nightfall or before dawn, feeding on grass and browse.[10] It has also been recorded eating Harrya chromapes, a bolete mushroom.[11] It is found in forested habitats, close to swamps and along river edges, and in disturbed areas, such as gardens and plantations.[10]

Habitat, distribution, and ecology

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A brown and black rabbit seen from above in leaf litter
An individual in Porto Seguro, Brazil

The common tapeti occurs in tropical rain forests, deciduous forests, and second-growth forests in Mexico and Central America, as well as pastures surrounding forest habitat. Its range extends from southern Tamaulipas in Mexico, south along the eastern coast of Mexico, through Guatemala, possibly El Salvador, Honduras, eastern Nicaragua, eastern Costa Rica, and Panama. It occurs through the northern half of South America, including Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and much of Brazil.[2] The southern tip of its known distribution occurs in Tucuman province.[6] It occurs at elevations from sea level to 4,800 m (15,700 ft).[2] It is the only leporid species found in most of its range.[10]

Rabbits build nests built of dry grasses above the ground to rear their young. They have a central chamber and three or four smaller chambers at the end of a corridor. The gestation period varies with the geographical location. Rabbits in Chiapas, Mexico, gestate for about 28 days, and have three to eight offspring, while rabbits in the Páramos of the Andes gestate for 44 days, and have an average litter size of 1.2. Both of these populations breed year-round.[12]

Like its California relative, the brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), the common tapeti is a natural reservoir for the myxoma virus.[13] This relationship was discovered by Brazilian physician Henrique de Beaurepaire Rohan Aragão in the 1940s.[14] The virus causes a benign cutaneous fibroma in its hosts, but it causes the lethal disease myxomatosis, in European rabbits.[15]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), also known as the Brazilian cottontail or forest cottontail, is a species of belonging to the . It inhabits a wide range across Central and South America, extending from southern through to northern , including regions such as Amazonian , , , eastern , , and parts of the Chaco. This medium-sized lagomorph typically measures about 32 cm in length and weighs between 700 and 1000 grams, featuring a yellowish-brown or darker brown pelage speckled with black, a whitish underbelly, a distinctive russet patch on the neck, pale spots above the eyes and on the muzzle, short ears, short hind feet, and a small dark tail. The species prefers moist forested environments, including tropical rainforests, , second-growth areas near swamps or rivers, transitional woodlands, and occasionally disturbed habitats like grasslands or gardens. Primarily herbivorous, the common tapeti feeds on green vegetation such as grasses, small shrubs, and occasionally mushrooms. It exhibits crepuscular to nocturnal activity patterns, is generally solitary or found in pairs, and demonstrates behaviors including hopping, walking, and swimming when necessary, though it is non-migratory. Reproduction occurs seasonally in some populations (once per year) or year-round in others, with a gestation period of 28 to 45 days and litter sizes ranging from 1 to 8 young, which become independent after 12 to 18 days. In the wild, individuals may live up to 5 years, though they can reach 9 years in captivity. The common tapeti is classified as Least Concern on the , indicating a stable overall population despite localized threats from habitat loss due to and human expansion in some ' ranges. It is not listed under protections.

Taxonomy

Classification

The common tapeti is scientifically classified as Sylvilagus brasiliensis, a binomial name originally described by in his in 1758, rather than the occasionally misattributed 1753 edition. This species belongs to the order , the family (rabbits and hares), and the genus Sylvilagus (commonly known as cottontails), which currently encompasses 19 recognized species distributed across the . The type locality for S. brasiliensis is , originally designated broadly as "America meridionalis" by Linnaeus and later restricted by Oldfield in 1911. Common English names for the include Brazilian cottontail and forest cottontail, reflecting its Neotropical distribution and habitat associations. Taxonomically, S. brasiliensis has been recognized as a due to significant morphological and across its range, leading to revisions that elevate certain populations to full status. For instance, Andean populations previously subsumed under S. brasiliensis have been split into S. andinus based on cranial and geographic isolation, while Central American forms like S. gabbi (formerly a ) were similarly distinguished through chromosomal and morphological analyses. These changes highlight ongoing refinements in leporid , with the complex now comprising multiple valid species in Central and .

Subspecies and variations

Historically, up to 37 of the common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) have been proposed based on morphological variations across its wide range. In a comprehensive taxonomic review, 21 were recognized, reflecting a consolidation of earlier descriptions while accounting for geographic isolation and subtle phenotypic differences. Among these, notable examples include S. b. brasiliensis, distributed in northeastern and characterized by its typical forest-adapted form, S. b. truei from , which exhibits adaptations to more varied habitats, and S. b. merriamii in southern , noted for its slightly larger size relative to conspecifics. Recent taxonomic revisions have elevated certain populations to full species status due to accumulated evidence of distinct evolutionary lineages. For instance, the coastal population in eastern , previously considered S. b. tapetillus, was described as a separate species (Sylvilagus tapetillus) based on cranial morphology and limited genetic data indicating long-term isolation. Similarly, populations in the region of and adjacent areas have been reassessed, with some alignments supporting splits like S. parentum in nearby northeastern , highlighting fragmentation in lowland forests. Molecular studies have provided key insights into intraspecific variations, revealing significant among populations. Analyses of (mtDNA) from across the species' range demonstrate deep phylogenetic splits, with sequence divergences exceeding 5% in some lineages, suggestive of isolation in fragmented habitats such as isolated forest patches in . These findings underscore the common tapeti as a , where has driven cryptic diversification, though nuclear DNA data are needed to confirm boundaries.

Physical characteristics

Morphology

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) is a small- to medium-sized characterized by a head-body length averaging 320–360 mm, a short measuring 20–30 mm, hind feet of 70–80 mm, and ears of 50–60 mm. Its weight typically ranges from 700 to 1000 g. is present, with males slightly smaller than females, consistent with female-biased size patterns observed across the genus Sylvilagus. The body form is compact, featuring short hind legs relative to other cottontail species (Sylvilagus) and a small, rounded head equipped with large eyes. This structure includes dense, soft fur covering the body, contributing to its overall rounded appearance. Skeletally, the common tapeti possesses the typical dental formula of 2/1, 0/0, 3/2, 3/3 = 28 teeth, with upper and lower incisors that are ever-growing for continuous gnawing. The hind limbs end in four toes, while the forelimbs have five toes, supporting its quadrupedal locomotion.

Coloration and adaptations

The common tapeti possesses a dorsal pelage that is typically grizzled brown-gray, characterized by black-tipped guard hairs that produce a speckled appearance for in forested environments. A distinctive patch adorns the and shoulders, while pale spots occur above the eyes and on the muzzle. The ventral fur ranges from to pale , providing contrast with the overall dorsal coloration. The tail features a underside that sharply contrasts with its tip. As a crepuscular and nocturnal , the common tapeti has large eyes adapted for enhanced low-light vision, enabling effective and during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours in shaded habitats. Sensitive vibrissae () serve as tactile sensors, assisting in detecting obstacles and maneuvering through dense vegetation. The also maintains , including inguinal and submandibular types, which secrete pheromones for territory marking and communication with conspecifics.

Distribution and habitat

Geographic range

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) has a native range extending from southern southward through , including countries such as , , , , , , , , and , and continuing into as far as northern and southeastern . This distribution primarily occurs east of the , with the species largely absent from the core Andean highlands except for fringe populations in peripheral high-elevation zones. Recent taxonomic studies recognize separate species for some high-elevation populations previously included in S. brasiliensis, such as S. andinus in the Andes and S. dicei in Central America. Historically, the species maintained a more continuous distribution from the in , through lowland and mid-elevation corridors like the Motagua Valley and dry valleys of southeastern , to the Atlantic Forest ecoregion in eastern . Contemporary populations, however, are fragmented due to widespread and habitat conversion, resulting in isolated patches within its former contiguous range, particularly in forested and transitional biomes. The occupies elevations from up to about 2,500 m, primarily in lowland and foothill zones. No confirmed introduced populations exist outside this native range.

Habitat preferences

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf , including second-growth woodlands, forest edges, and swampy areas. These environments provide the dense vegetation cover essential for concealment and foraging. Populations are also recorded in transitional zones between and grasslands, such as those in the Chaco region, but the species shows a clear preference for moist conditions over arid or fully open landscapes. The tapeti demonstrates tolerance for human-disturbed habitats, including pastures, plantations, and gardens, provided sufficient vegetative cover remains available for protection. It avoids open grasslands lacking such shelter, relying instead on proximity to edges or bodies to mitigate exposure. Microhabitat features like dense and accumulations of leaf litter offer critical hiding spots and nesting sites, enhancing survival in these modified areas. Climatically, the species favors humid tropical regions with annual rainfall exceeding 1,500 mm, supporting lush forest growth, though some populations persist in drier forests receiving around 620 mm annually. Altitudinally, it ranges from lowlands to mid-elevation foothills in the , adapting to varied moisture levels across its distribution from southern to northern .

Behavior

Activity patterns

The common tapeti exhibits primarily crepuscular and nocturnal activity patterns, with peak activity occurring at dawn and . This behavior allows the species to minimize exposure to heat in its tropical and subtropical habitats while reducing encounters with diurnal predators. Observations indicate a preference for brighter nights, showing increased movement during periods of higher , which may enhance visibility for navigation and predator avoidance in dense undergrowth. To avoid detection, individuals often remain motionless; when chased, they employ erratic zig-zag escapes. Locomotion in the common tapeti involves quadrupedal movement, primarily through short and a half-bound , where hind limbs thrust simultaneously for propulsion and forelimbs alternate for steering and braking. This enables bounding through dense for quick escapes, though specific burst speeds remain undocumented for the . The animal remains largely solitary outside of breeding periods, with home ranges typically small—estimated at up to a few hectares for Sylvilagus , potentially larger in males than females—and minimal overlap between individuals. Seasonal variations in activity include higher detection rates during the (May–August in parts of its range), likely linked to increased needs, though the core crepuscular-nocturnal persists year-round. In cooler or drier months, some shift toward slightly more activity may occur, but comprehensive on diurnal tendencies at high elevations are limited.

Social structure and reproduction

The common tapeti exhibits a solitary , with individuals typically living alone except during brief mating encounters, and no stable family groups form after the young are weaned. The is promiscuous, characterized by low levels of male-male and large male home ranges that overlap with those of multiple females, facilitating access to receptive mates. As lagomorphs, tapetis likely communicate reproductive status and through cues, though direct observations of marking behaviors in this species are limited. Breeding occurs year-round in tropical lowland habitats but becomes seasonal in higher-latitude or montane regions, often peaking during periods of favorable . Reproductive parameters vary regionally, reflecting adaptations to local environmental conditions. Gestation periods range from 28 to 44 days, with shorter durations reported in lowland areas (e.g., 28 days in , ) and longer ones in Andean páramos. Litter sizes typically consist of 1 to 6 young, with averages varying by population from 1.2 to 4.6. Females in tropical zones may produce 3 to 4 litters annually, while those in seasonal environments often breed only once per year. The young are precocial, born fully furred with eyes open in shallow, grass-lined nests constructed above ground. They remain in the nest for 12 to 18 days before becoming independent, at which point occurs, and they disperse from the mother. is reached at approximately 3 months of age, enabling early recruitment into breeding populations. In the wild, common tapetis typically live 1 to 3 years due to predation and environmental factors, though maximum lifespan may reach up to 5 years as observed in related species.

Ecology

Diet and foraging

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) is strictly herbivorous, with a diet dominated by grasses (primarily from the family ) and leaves from shrubs and herbs. In forested environments, individuals occasionally supplement this with fungi, including mushrooms. Bark and twigs are also consumed, particularly as fallback resources when preferred green vegetation is limited. Foraging occurs predominantly at ground level through selective , with individuals hopping or walking to locate and nibble suitable ; unlike pikas, tapetis do not cache food extensively. Activity peaks during crepuscular or nocturnal periods, aligning with reduced visibility for energy-efficient feeding. To enhance nutrient recycling from fibrous plant matter, tapetis produce and consume cecotropes—soft, nutrient-rich fecal pellets—from the . As fermenters typical of lagomorphs, common tapetis rely on microbial in the enlarged to break down and extract volatile fatty acids from high-fiber diets. Much of their water intake derives directly from in , supporting in variable tropical environments. Seasonal shifts occur, with greater reliance on bark and twigs during dry periods when fresh greens decline, and increased consumption of fruits and succulent in wet seasons.

Predators and interactions

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) faces predation from a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles across its Neotropical range. Among mammalian predators, ocelots ( pardalis), tayras (Eira barbara), and bush dogs ( venaticus) are documented to hunt tapetis, with tayras observed attempting predation in Costa Rican forests where rabbit remains appeared in their scats. Canids such as the (Cerdocyon thous) also prey on this species in Venezuelan lowlands. Avian predators include hawks and , which target tapetis as part of their diet in shared habitats, similar to patterns observed in other Sylvilagus species. Reptilian threats encompass various snakes that ambush small mammals, though specific records for tapetis remain limited. Tapetis serve as hosts to several parasites, playing a role in disease ecology. They are the natural reservoir for myxoma virus, a poxvirus that induces benign cutaneous fibromas in S. brasiliensis without causing severe illness, unlike in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) where it leads to myxomatosis. Ectoparasites such as fleas (Siphonaptera) and ticks (Ixodida) are commonly found on tapetis, facilitating pathogen transmission in Neotropical ecosystems. Endoparasites include nematodes, with at least three species recovered from Brazilian specimens, alongside cestodes like those of Taenia and Echinococcus genera, positioning tapetis as intermediate hosts in helminth life cycles. Beyond predation, tapetis engage in key ecological interactions that influence forest dynamics. They compete with sympatric herbivores, such as pacas (Cuniculus paca), for browse in overlapping Neotropical habitats, potentially affecting resource partitioning through spatiotemporal niche separation. Tapetis contribute to mutualistic relationships by dispersing spores of coprophilous fungi via their scat, aiding fungal reproduction in dung-enriched soils. To evade predators, tapetis rely on camouflage and freezing behaviors, remaining motionless for extended periods in dense cover.

Conservation

Status and threats

The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) is classified as Least Concern on the as of 2024, due to its wide distribution and stable overall population across much of its range. However, certain and populations face heightened risks; for example, the population in the northern is assessed as Endangered (EN B2ab(ii,iii)) based on a 2018 evaluation (published 2019), reflecting severe loss and fragmentation in that restricted area. In , the is recognized as threatened at the national level in some assessments, particularly for Atlantic Forest populations. Major threats to the common tapeti include habitat loss driven by , with over 88% of the original cover destroyed for , , and . for meat and, to a lesser extent, remains a significant pressure in rural and indigenous communities, contributing to local reductions. exacerbates mortality in fragmented habitats, where development increases collision risks; studies in report the species as one of the most frequently killed mammals on highways. Emerging threats involve , which is projected to disrupt dynamics through altered precipitation and temperature patterns, potentially reducing suitable habitat for this forest-dependent lagomorph. may also intensify competition in disturbed areas, though specific impacts on the common tapeti require further research. Legal protections for the common tapeti include national designations in , where it benefits from environmental laws prohibiting and in protected areas, particularly for the Atlantic Forest populations. The species is not listed under globally, but some countries implement local regulations to control trade and . The common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis) maintains stable populations in its core Amazonian ranges, where it is widespread and common across large tracts of , supporting overall estimates in the millions of individuals due to high availability and lack of severe declines. In contrast, populations in fragmented remnants are small and isolated, with fewer than 10,000 mature individuals remaining in these areas amid ongoing habitat loss. Population trends indicate stability across much of the species' broad distribution, classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, but with declines of 20-30% over the past decade in fragmented landscapes like the , driven by isolation and reduced connectivity. studies in forest s have estimated densities ranging from 0.1 to 0.35 individuals per in savannah-forest mosaics, highlighting lower abundances in disturbed areas compared to more intact ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection and monitoring, with the species occurring in key protected areas such as Iguaçu National Park in , where camera-trap surveys contribute to broader community assessments and anti-poaching measures. initiatives in the Atlantic Forest aim to restore connectivity for fragmented populations, while national regulations in prohibit the taking of wild animals, including the tapeti, to curb subsistence and sport pressures. Ongoing research employs non-invasive methods like pellet counts and camera traps to monitor densities (e.g., 23-92 individuals/ha in Andean subpopulations), informing targeted management, though genetic banking efforts for remain limited.

References

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