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Is the word tatu the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The word "tatu" is identical in meaning, spelling, and grammar in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, as it refers specifically to the armadillo. The only difference lies in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the vowels are typically more open and the rhythm is more "syllable-timed" (each syllable receives relatively equal weight). In Continental Portuguese, the pronunciation of the final "u" is often more closed or reduced, and the overall prosody (rhythm) of the word follows the more stress-timed pattern characteristic of Portugal.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O tatu cavou um buraco no jardim. (The armadillo dug a hole in the garden.)
  2. Vi um tatu passando pela estrada ontem. (I saw an armadillo passing by the road yesterday.)
  3. A carne de tatu é tradicional em algumas regiões do Brasil. (Armadillo meat is traditional in some regions of Brazil.)
  4. O tatu-canastra é um dos maiores tipos de tatu que existem. (The giant armadillo is one of the largest types of armadillo that exist.)
  5. Cuidado para não pisar no tatu enquanto caminha pela mata. (Be careful not to step on the armadillo while walking through the woods.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Li que o tatu vive em buracos na terra. (I read that the armadillo lives in holes in the ground.)
  2. O documentário mostrou como o tatu se protege da natureza. (The documentary showed how the armadillo protects itself from nature.)
  3. O tatu é um animal nativo da América do Sul. (The armadillo is a native animal of South America.)
  4. É possível ver um tatu em alguns zoos especializados. (It is possible to see an armadillo in some specialized zoos.)
  5. O tatu tem uma carapaça muito resistente. (The armadillo has a very resistant shell.)