AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sylvilagus brasiliensis
Tapeti / Brazilian Rabbit
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Sylvilagus brasiliensis, commonly known as the tapeti or Brazilian rabbit, is a Neotropical lagomorph that differs remarkably from typical open-area rabbits. Adapted to jungle life, it has a compact body, relatively short legs, and much smaller, rounded ears than other species in its genus. Its fur is dense and dark, ranging from agouti brown or yellowish to brownish-black on the back, with a lighter belly that is rarely pure white. One of its most distinctive features is its tail: it is a tiny, dark or reddish stump, completely lacking the visible white patch (the 'cotton') typical of its North American relatives. It is a highly stealthy and difficult-to-observe animal, preferring to remain hidden among the underbrush and shadows of the dark understory.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lagomorpha
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Leporidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sylvilagus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is a specialist of closed habitats, inhabiting wet tropical rainforests, gallery forests, swampy areas, and riparian zones with very dense vegetation. Unlike other rabbits, it actively avoids open pastures and savannas devoid of shrub cover. In Costa Rica, it is found from lowlands to mid-elevations (and some related lineages in paramos), strictly depending on thickets to evade predators.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a strictly solitary mammal with markedly crepuscular and nocturnal habits. During the day, it remains motionless, hidden in shallow beds of leaf litter or roots. At dusk, it actively forages, often traveling the same trails and paths in the brush, making them sometimes predictable to certain predators. Its diet is strictly herbivorous, utilizing green leaves, understory plant shoots, tender stems, and occasionally the bark of young trees. It plays an incalculable role in the tropical forest food web by converting plant biomass into food for carnivores.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Strictly solitary. Adults only encounter each other during the brief courtship and mating period.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Herbivore / Folivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary consumer. It constitutes one of the most important prey items for medium-sized felines (ocelot, jaguarundi, margay), large snakes (boas, fer-de-lance), mustelids (tayras), and nocturnal birds of prey (owls).Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
It breeds continuously throughout the year in the tropical climate. Gestation is about 28 to 30 days. Unlike northern species, its litters are much smaller (usually 1 or 2 young, rarely 3). The female prepares a shallow nest lined with leaf litter and fur plucked from her own body to hide the young, visiting them briefly at night to nurse.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
30.0 - 42.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
800 g - 1.20 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
5 - 6 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
28 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 5 Years
Females2 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Slightly smaller than females.
Females Multi-lang
Tend to be slightly larger and more robust than males, though hard to notice in the field.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Forest Morphology (Short Ears): Small, rounded ears, along with shorter limbs, are perfect adaptations for moving swiftly through tunnels of dense brush and lianas without getting snagged, unlike long ears which are more useful in open plains for thermoregulation and long-distance hearing.
Freezing Behavior: Its primary defense strategy is not immediate flight, but remaining completely motionless (freezing). With its dark fur and no giveaway white parts, it becomes practically invisible in the gloom of the forest floor.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Domestic and Feral Predators: The introduction of feral domestic dogs and cats represents one of the greatest threats, as they intensively hunt this species in peri-urban areas and forest edges.
Habitat Loss: Deforestation and the conversion of wet and riparian forests into cattle pastures or monocultures eliminate the dense cover they need to survive.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Expert Swimmer: Although rabbits are rarely associated with water, the tapeti does not hesitate to plunge into rivers, swamps, or streams to escape predators, being a surprisingly fast and resilient swimmer.
Tenant, not Builder: Unlike the European rabbit, the forest rabbit does not dig its own complex burrows. Instead, it rests in shallow depressions under fallen logs or utilizes abandoned holes left by armadillos or other animals.