noun
springhare; springhaas
A small African rodent (Pedetes capensis) known for its kangaroo-like hopping. The Japanese name literally means 'jumping rabbit'.
トビウサギはアフリカに生息するげっ歯類です。
The springhare is a rodent that lives in Africa.
Compound of 跳び (tobi, 'jumping') + 兎 (usagi, 'rabbit'), referring to its hopping movement. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a straightforward descriptive name.