Forest Rabbit, Tapeti

The tapeti, also known as the Brazilian cottontail or forest cottontail, is a small to medium-sized rabbit with distinctive features: a small dark tail, short hind feet, and short ears. Historically thought to range from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, recent studies reveal that what was once considered a single species might actually comprise several distinct species. Current evidence indicates that the true tapeti is found exclusively in the Atlantic Rainforest along coastal northeastern Brazil and is listed as "Endangered" by the IUCN.

First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, the tapeti has had various names over the years, including forest cottontail and Brazilian cottontail. Although as many as 37 subspecies have been identified in the past, recent classifications have refined this number and introduced new species such as S. andinus, S. gabbi, S. sanctaemartae, S. tapetillus, and S. parentum.

In terms of appearance, the tapeti is characterized by brown fur with a speckled look, a reddish spot on its neck, and a rufous belly and tail underside. These rabbits are nocturnal and solitary, feeding on grass, browse, and occasionally mushrooms.

The tapeti inhabits various types of forests, including tropical rainforests, deciduous forests, and secondary-growth forests in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America. Their range extends from southern Mexico to Argentina, and they can be found at various altitudes. Tapetis build their nests above ground, with gestation periods and litter sizes varying by location.

An interesting fact about the tapeti is its role as a natural host for the myxoma virus, discovered in the 1940s. This virus causes myxomatosis in European rabbits, which can be fatal, but in tapetis, it typically results in benign skin tumors.