Endangered subspecies of brush rabbit restricted to specific California riparian zones.

Native status: Native; federally endangered

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 38–50 cm; tail 4 cm
Weight700–1,100 g
LifespanWild 1–2 years
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyLeporidae

§ Encyclopedia

The brush rabbit, or western brush rabbit, or Californian brush rabbit, is a species of cottontail rabbit found in western coastal regions of North America, from the Columbia River in Oregon to the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Its range extends as far east as the eastern sides of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges.

Source: Wikipedia — Brush rabbit Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small brown rabbit; small white-tipped tail.

Similar species. Brush Rabbit (broader range). Eastern Cottontail (different range).

Voice. Generally silent.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Grasses, sedges.

Behavior. Federally endangered subspecies of brush rabbit restricted to San Joaquin River riparian habitats.

§ Range

Central California riparian

§ Habitat

Riparian habitats

§ Threats

Habitat loss, dam impacts.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the riparian brush rabbit is currently classified as Endangered.

§ What helps

Support California riparian conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USFWS Riparian Brush Rabbit Recovery
  • IUCN Red List 2016