#watercoloring

Ume.

Easter?! In Brazil, we have our own rabbit. 😊

Sylvilagus brasiliensis, known as the tapiti (a name derived from the Tupi word tapiti, used for rabbits in general) is the only rabbit native to Brazil, a small but meaningful part of our natural heritage.

This tiny species can be found from Mexico to the southern reaches of South America and across nearly all Brazilian biomes. Measuring about 21 to 40cm in length and weighing under 1 kg, it has yellowish-brown fur lightly speckled with black, a delicate pale eyebrow, and short ears. Nocturnal and solitary, the tapiti lives quietly and discreetly, spending the day hidden in shelters such as hollow logs, burrows, or dense vegetation, an essential strategy to avoid predators like jaguars, ocelots, and snakes. It feeds mainly on fruits, shoots, and stems, and uses plant material along with animal fur to build nests for its young.

Despite its wide distribution, the species faces serious threats, including hunting, conflicts with domestic animals, and roadkill, often affecting animals that many people don’t even realize exist. Sadly, this is a recurring reality for many native Brazilian species. As a result, the tapiti is currently classified as endangered, making it all the more important to learn about it and share its story!

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Happy Mötorhead day 🤘