An animal that eats mainly plants or parts of plants. Other common names for the swamp rabbit include marsh rabbit and cane-cutter. Swamp rabbits weigh between three and six pounds. It is locally abundant in some regions, but in states such as Oklahoma and Missouri, its range is rapidly diminishing due to degradation and loss of wetland habitat. It is the largest cottontail in the southeast and it is also known as a "cane-cutter." In 4 seconds, you will be redirected to nwfactionfund.org, the site of the National Wildlife Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. [5] The species is hunted for fur, meat, and sport, and is the second-most commonly hunted rabbit in the United States. Alike yet different, is a good way to describe the eastern cottontail, the swamp rabbit, and the California jackrabbit. Abbreviation key >> Internet citations >> Glossary >> Lepus americanus [Snowshoe Hare] × Oryctolagus cuniculus [European Rabbit] CHR. The swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail genus. [6], Swamp rabbits mainly live close to lowland water, often in cypress swamps, marshland, floodplain, and river tributaries. The latter usually weighs 2 to 3 pounds, but the swamper tips the scales at 4 to 11. Known as the largest member of the cottontails, they have brown body fur, a brown tail and weighs three to six pounds. The marsh rabbit is slightly smaller and darker than the eastern cottontail and its tail forms a brown tuft (no cottontail). Food passes through their gut twice, first producing soft, green feces (cecotropes) which still contain nutrients. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) is a small cottontail rabbit found in marshes and swamps of coastal regions of the Eastern and Southern United States. When fighting, males will stand on their hind legs and use their teeth and claws to inflict wounds on their opponent. 93–96., doi:10.1016/j.mambio.2018.09.001. Swamp rabbits are well named—they prefer to live in swampy lowlands, floodplains, cypress swamps, and along edges of rivers and creeks. The mountain cottontail is less than half that size, at around 2.5 pounds. Among all the cottontail rabbits, the swamp rabbit is the largest one. This website uses 'cookies' to give you the best, most relevant experience. Other Names Cane-cutter Size Length: 45 - 55cm. Its thick fur is dense enough to waterproof its skin, and is usually a mix of dark brown, rusty brown, and black. Spermatogenesis has been noted to occur in S. aquaticus in Missouri in October and November. The fur of swamp rabbits is rusty-brown with black hairs, giving the animals a grizzled appearance. They’ve been known to hide underwater with just their noses exposed. Since all three live within our borders, let's take a closer look at them. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), or swamp hare,[4] is a large cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the southern United States. The fur is short and ears are of medium size. Its throat and tail are white, and it has cinnamon-colored circles around its eyes. The ranges of these animals were originally disjunct, but O. cuniculus is now feral in the range of L. americanus.High rates of fertilization occur in rabbits inseminated with hare semen, but less than 10% of hare oocytes are fertilized with rabbit semen. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, The Mammals of Texas, by William B. Davis and David J. Schmidly. Hillard, Elizabeth M., et al. [6] The head and back are typically dark or rusty brown or black, while the throat, ventral surface, and tail are white, and there is a cinnamon-colored ring around the eye. Rabbits and Hares . Females give birth to altricial young. The fur is brown on top and white underneath. One of the other factors to which cottontail hunters must get accustomed to when hunting swamp rabbits is the terrain. Newborns' eyes open after four to seven days. Young leave the nest after about two weeks. Swamp rabbits are adept swimmers. However, this feature is not present in … Ditch the disposables and make the switch to sustainable products. of hunting dogs, swamp rabbits elude pursuers by lying still in the water If you've ever ran deer with dogs running a swamp rabbit is a lot like running a doe deer, they will take your dogs in big circles often times out of or close to out of hearing before circling back. [6], S. aquaticus are synchronous breeders. [7], S. aquaticus is the largest of the cottontail species, although its ears are smaller than of other cottontails. Unlike other rabbits, the swamp rabbit regularly takes to the water to move about and avoid predators. The Swamp Rabbit is a large cottontail rabbit found in swamps and wetlands of the southern US. The underside of the tail is white, giving it the common name of cottontail. The tops of the hind feet are reddish brown. Although it is larger in overall size than other cottontails, it has smaller and rounder ears and coarser fur with a more yellow cast. “Winter Snow Cover Increases Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus Aquaticus) Mortality at the Northern Extent of Their Range.” Mammalian Biology, vol. Their total length varies from 16 to 22 inches, with males generally growing slightl… [6], Rival males will often engage in aggressive encounters that sometimes become violent enough to kill one of the combatants. The swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail family. [6], Like other lagomorphs, they have a double digestion. In a crock pot, you can't tell them apart. In the lingo of biology, it is called as “ Sylvilagus palustris.” It is again a not-so-big-sized rabbit just like a brush rabbit and unlike a swamp rabbit. The Swamp Rabbit is the largest North American cottontail. [8] The nests in which the young are born consist of a slight depression in the earth that is filled with grasses mixed with rabbit hair. is that cottontail is a rabbit of any of various species in genus (taxlink) while rabbit is a mammal of the family leporidae , with long ears, long hind legs and a short, fluffy tail. They usually cover a lot more ground a lot faster than a cottontail and will hit water without hesitation. Although for most individuals, these rabbits are not from the cottontail genus. A swamp rabbit has a long black flat and naked tail and a cotton tail has a little round fluffy tail. The Swamp Rabbit is generally found near water, as its name suggests, and is an excellent swimmer. It is a dark brownish gray color peppered with black on the back and sides with a grayish-white belly. Description. The rabbits are often found near water and in the cover of thickets, stumps, or fallen trees. Young are born with well-developed fur but their eyes are closed and they are immobile. Predators of swamp rabbits include the American alligator, raptors, bobcats, gray foxes, coyotes, snakes, dogs, and humans. S. aquaticus exhibit induced ovulation and have an hour-long estrus. The swamp rabbit is the largest member of its genus: the cottontail family. This differs from the bluish gray tail of the marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris). As a verb rabbit is They will also jump from the ground and strike with the sharp claws of the hind feet.[5]. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), or swamp hare, is a large cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the southern United States. It is two times the size of the cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and darker in color with a cinnamon colored ring around the eye. Similar to the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and the Appalachian cottontail (Sylvilagus obscurus), the underside of the tail is white. [6] Males are slightly larger than females. 93, 2018, pp. The females give birth to up to six offspring. Swamp rabbits were found in 25 swampy forested tracts in the They spend the day under cover and emerge at dusk to forage. Search, discover, and learn about wildlife. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is found in swampy areas along the Gulf Coast and northward into the pineywoods. Its thick fur is dense enough to waterproof its skin, and is usually a … When a predator gets close, these rabbits are likely to jump in the water and swim away, or dive under roots or overhangs to escape. Young are sexually mature at 7 months and reach adult weight at 10 months. Tail length averages 2 inches. Unlike most rabbits, they like to swim. The swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail genus. Description : The swamp rabbit is similar to the eastern cottontail but has a generally larger size, proportionately shorter and rounder ears, coarser body fur with a yellowish cast (particularly to the rump), and more black mottling. The smallest mature swamp rabbit is about the size of the largest mature cottontail. [6] Swamp rabbits spend much of their time in depressions which they dig in tall grass or leaves, providing cover while they wait until the nighttime to forage. They make nests of grasses and twigs in a depression on the ground under a brush pile or log. Their total length varies from 16 to 22 inches, with males generally growing slightly larger than females. Although it is larger in overall size than other cottontails, it has smaller and rounder ears and coarser fur with a more yellow cast. Greenville Swamp Rabbits . The gestation period lasts 35 to 40 days. [5], Breeding season varies widely across the range of S. aquaticus, usually occurring anywhere between February and August, but can occur year-round in Texas. [6] Their sides, rump, tail and feet are much more brownish, along with a pinkish-cinnamon eye-ring, as opposed to the whitish eye-ring in eastern cottontails. [8], Swamp rabbits are herbivorous; they eat a variety of foraged plants, including grasses, sedges, shrubs, tree bark seedlings, and twigs. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is the largest of the rabbits that occur in the southeastern United States. Weight: 1.6 - 2.7kg. Although it is larger in overall size than other cottontails, it has smaller and rounder ears and coarser fur with a more yellow cast. An adult swamp rabbit is 18 to 22 inches in length. The rabbit’s neck is a brownish rust color and its ears are small and rounded with a black spot between. The total length is 17.8 - 21.73 inches (452 - 552 mm). Swamp rabbits frequent a definite local range which they refuse to leave, even when pursued by dogs. In fact, he does not seem to be … In a Mississippi study, groups of males harvested in December and February had higher percentages of individuals with descended testes than those harvested in any other months (Class 2006). Few studies have been done to examine the lifespan of the swamp rabbit, but it is estimated they live an average of 1.8 years and may live up to nine years. It occurs in western Tennessee and some parts of middle Tennessee. The largest of the cottontails is the swamp rabbit, which weighs up to 6 pounds. Swamp Rabbit Picture of Swamp Rabbit . Swamp rabbits are found in the Gulf Coast and south-central region of the United States. Swamp rabbits are a large variety of cottontail rabbit and they have specific habitat needs. S. aquaticus ranges in length from approx. He shooed it away by splashing water with a paddle. [6], Known predators of Sylvilagus aquaticus are domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), and humans (Homo sapiens). The occurrence of embryo resorption has been seen in S. aquaticus; this loss of in-utero litters is attributed to some type of habitat disturbance such as flooding, which may cause overcrowding to occur. [6] They feed mainly at night but rain showers will often cause them to feed during daytime as well. Swamp rabbit home range estimates vary in size, with estimates ranging from <1 ha to 20.2 ha, depending on the location and method used to estimate the home range. surrounded by brush or plant debris with only their nose visible. Attend a virtual roundtable to learn about the challenges Black people face when accessing and enjoying the outdoors, and learn about ways in which we can address barriers and challenges. [5], The swamp rabbit is found in much of the south-central United States and along the Gulf coast. Females can have 1 to 3 litters a year with each litter consisting of 4 to 6 young. "Wildlife Species Profile Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus)", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Swamp_rabbit&oldid=985028047, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the New International Encyclopedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 23 October 2020, at 14:54. Here come another cottontail rabbit and this time its marsh rabbit. 3.6 lb (1.6 kg) to 5.9 lb (2.7 kg), averaging about 4.8 lb (2.2 kg). [6] Swamp rabbits have several adaptations to avoid predators: cryptic coloration, "freezing", and rapid, irregular jumping patterns. The Swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail rabbit species. Its thick fur is dense enough to waterproof its skin, and is usually a mix of dark brown, rusty brown, and black. [5], S. aquaticus males vary in weight from approximately 4 lb (1.8 kg) to 5.6 lb (2.5 kg), with an average of about 5 lb (2.3 kg); females vary from approx. The underside of the tail is white and is very bright when the rabbit runs, which is where the name cottontail is derived. 17.8 inches (45 cm) to 21.7 in (55 cm), with an average length of about 19.7 in (50 cm). Of the two, swamp rabbits are most similar to cottontails, but swamp rabbits are generally larger, with relatively shorter and rounder ears, somewhat coarser fur with a yellowish cast, particularly in the rump, and more black mottling; they have tawny rump fur, visible when fluffed; the tops of the hind feet are reddish brown; and the back of the neck is only slightly rust-colored. [6] It is most abundant in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana, but also inhabits South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. They do so to avoid predators, and they swim to travel. National Science Foundation The closely related species Sylvilagus floridanus and Sylvilagus aquaticus have been studied more intensely. The species has a strong preference for wet areas, and it will take to the water and swim. Cottontail rabbits are among the 20 lagomorph species in the genus Sylvilagus, found in the Americas. This is due mostly to the fact that snow cover constrains hiding ability and availability of food resources. The name “swamp” should be a dead give away. The Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in Indiana TED L. TERREL Utah Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Utah State University, Logan 84321 ABSTRACT: Swamp-rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) distribution, habitat, population characters and behavioral traits were studied in Indiana in 1968-69. President and CEO Collin O’Mara reveals in a TEDx Talk why it is essential to connect our children and future generations with wildlife and the outdoors—and how doing so is good for our health, economy, and environment. He prefers living where he can keep his feet wet. Swamp rabbits weigh between three and six pounds. The rabbit typically forages at night. The refuge is one of the few places in Missouri where the swamp rabbit, a larger relative of the eastern cottontail rabbit, is known to occur. All the members of a swamp rabbit population breed around the same time (which is called synchronous breeding). It is a strong swimmer and found only near regions of water. More than one-third of U.S. fish and wildlife species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. The fur of their head and back is generally a mixture of rusty brown, dark brown, and black. The first two are true rabbits, but the jackrabbit is not a rabbit at all; it's a hare. In Georgia in 1979, there was a well-publicized incident involving a swamp rabbit and then-President Jimmy Carter, in which a swamp rabbit that was being chased by hounds jumped in the water and swam up to President Carter’s fishing boat. [5] A study has found that the preferred foods of S. aquaticus are savannah panicgrass (Phanopyrum gymnocarpon), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), dewberry (Rubus trivialis) and greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox). Most Sylvilagus species have stub tails with white undersides that show when they retreat, giving them their characteristic name. The cottontail rabbit can run up to fifteen mph. Their eyes have opened by day 3 and the young have begun walking. Snow cover has shown to increase swamp rabbit mortality by almost two times in the northern extent of their range. The breeding season typically falls between February and August. [6] Even though their swimming abilities lack the speed to escape a pack We're on the ground in seven regions across the country, collaborating with 53 state and territory affiliates to reverse the crisis and ensure wildlife thrive. Uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in a rapidly changing world, Inspire a lifelong connection with wildlife and wild places through our children's publications, products, and activities, National Wildlife Federation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. DISTRIBUTION: These are eaten by the animal (coprophagy), and after further digestion the remains form drier, dark brown or black hard pellets, which are not eaten. Swamp rabbits reach sexual maturity after 23 weeks. Some people confuse them with cottontail rabbits as they have a physical appearance similar to them, but people who hunt them say these rabbits are much, much bigger than the cottontail ones. The weight of a female Swamp rabbit is 57.94 - 93.91 oz (1646 - 1668 grams) and males weigh up to 65.64 - 90.08 oz (1861 - 2554 g). An herbivore, swamp rabbits eat grass, sedges, shrubs, twigs, tree seedlings, and tree bark. They are weaned and leave the nest after about 15 days. Most females will have two to three litters per year. The swamp rabbit is the largest member of the cottontail genus. [6], There is concern that swamp rabbits are increasingly becoming exposed to predation, especially during snowy/wintry seasons. There are 8 species of cottontail rabbits in North America that live North of Mexico: the brush rabbit, swamp rabbit, marsh rabbit, Eastern cottontail, New England cottontail, Appalachian cottontail, mountain cottontail, and desert cottontail. They like lowlands near water -- cypress swamps, marshes, floodplains. The species has a strong preference for wet areas, and it will take to the water and swim. The swamp rabbit is considered secure overall. Its throat and tail are white, and it has cinnamon-colored circles around its eyes. Anywhere, any time. Other common names for the swamp rabbit include marsh rabbit and cane-cutter.

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