A medium-sized rabbit adapted for wetland habitats.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The swamp rabbit, also known as the cane cutter, swamper, or cane jake, is a species of cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the southern United States. It is herbivorous, territorial, and nocturnal. The largest of the cottontail rabbits, it is similar in appearance to the eastern cottontail, but has distinctly smaller ears and orange-colored hind legs. Swamp rabbits are closely related to the marsh rabbit. The two species likely separated during the Pleistocene epoch.
Source: Wikipedia — Swamp rabbit Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Large rabbit with brown back, white belly; relatively short ears; large hind feet.
Similar species. Marsh Rabbit (smaller; range overlap).
Voice. Generally silent.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Aquatic plants, grasses, sedges.
Behavior. Large rabbit of southeastern US swamps. Excellent swimmer.
§ Range
Southeastern US
§ Habitat
Wetlands
§ Threats
Wetland loss.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the swamp rabbit is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Support swamp conservation.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Swamp rabbit
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Sylvilagus aquaticus
- IUCN Red List · taxon 41299
- iNaturalist · taxon 43160
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Sylvilagus aquaticus
§ Sources cited
- American Society of Mammalogists
- IUCN Red List 2016
