Sylvilagus palustris
marsh rabbit

Sylvilagus palustris (marsh rabbit) is found in parts of the southeastern United States. Its range includes southeast Virginia, southern Georgia, eastern Alabama, the Florida peninsula, and the islands along the coast of Florida. The subspecies Sylvilagus palustris hefneri is endangered and its range is limited to the lower Florida Keys. Currently the Dismal Swamp in Virginia and North Carolina has the largest population of marsh rabbits. ("Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries", 2007; Peterson et al., 2006; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Marsh rabbits are found in lowland areas, not exceeding 152 meters in elevation. They are found near freshwater marshes and estuarine areas. Marsh rabbits are semi-aquatic and require vegetation near a permanent source of water. (Jones, 1997; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Marsh rabbits are medium-sized rabbits with short, rounded ears and small feet. The head and tail is smaller than those of easten cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Marsh rabbits are dark brown to reddish brown with a dark belly. The characteristic that distinguishes S. palustris from all other cottontail rabbits is the dark color of the underside of their tail. Other cottontail rabbits have white undersides to their tails. Marsh rabbits have sparse fur and remarkably long toenails on their hindfeet. There is no substantial sexual dimorphism. ("Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries", 2007; Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Marsh rabbits can live up to four years in the wild, however, most do not live to be a year old. Immature marsh rabbits are most susceptible to predation. There is no available information about life expectancy in captivity. (Jones, 1997)

Marsh rabbits are solitary, although individuals may cluster in areas with dense resources. Female marsh rabbits are apt to be more territorial during the breeding season. Marsh rabbits sleep in nests made of grasses, weeds, and lined with rabbit fur. Male hierarchies are frequently observed in closely related species such as Sylvilagus floridanus and Sylvilagus aquaticus, although they have not been observed in marsh rabbits. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Jones, 1997; Peterson et al., 2006)

Home Range

The ranges of same-sex individuals rarely overlap. Males tend to travel greater distances than do females. Juvenile males in particular have extensive home ranges. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Jones, 1997; Peterson et al., 2006)

There is little information available on the methods of communication used by Sylvilagus palustris. The closely related species Sylvilagus floridanus and Sylvilagus aquaticus have been studied more intensely. Females charge and leap when in the presence of other marsh rabbits. Males display alert and submissive postures, while also showing a tendency to scratch, mount, and paw rake. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982)

Marsh rabbits are herbivorous and their diet varies according to seasonality. They eat a wide variety of vegetation including blackberries (Rubus ursinus), rhizomes, bulbs, marsh grasses, duck potato (Sagittatia fasciculata), cattails (Typha), centella (Centella respanda), marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle), and water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes). In the winter, when green vegetation is scarce, marsh rabbits resort to eating bark. ("Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries", 2007; Jones, 1997; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Marsh rabbits are avid swimmers and often dive into water as a means of escape. They are nocturnal, which helps them to avoid detection by diurnal predators. During the day they often hide in dense vegetation for protection. Infant and juvenile marsh rabbits are especially vulnerable to eastern diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus) and water moccasins (Agkistrodon piscivorus). The two predator species that have the most impact on populations of S. palustris are marsh hawks and great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus). Other raptors also prey on marsh rabbits, along with bobcats. Historically, red wolves preyed on marsh rabbits. In areas in which red wolves have been reintroduced, marsh rabbits are one of their dominant prey items. ("Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries", 2007; Jones, 1997)

Marsh rabbits are herbivorous and are important primary consumers. Marsh rabbits are preyed on by raptors and large snakes. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982)

Marsh rabbits host ticks that carry Rocky Mountain Fever. Marsh rabbits are not known to destroy crops or have any sort of negative impact on human agricultural efforts. (Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982; Jones, 1997)

Marsh rabbits live near marshy, isolated areas away from humans. (Jones, 1997)

Lower Key marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) are endangered due to habitat fragmentation. Lower Key marsh rabbits are unevenly distributed throughout the Lower Florida Keys. Conservation efforts include reintroduction efforts. Other subspecies of marsh rabbits may also be effected by habitat fragmentation, although none are currently considered endangered. (Peterson et al., 2006)