estimated 110,000 rabbit hunters in Louisiana, more actually hunt swamp rabbits than cottontails (Sylvilaqus floridanus Allen) because swampers are larger and provide more meat for the table (Collins 1962). 2008). We searched for fecal pellets at randomly chosen sites during winters 2002–03 and 2003–04. It occurs in western Tennessee and some parts of middle Tennessee. We assessed relative abundance and habitat associations of swamp rabbits in eastern Arkansas using presence of latrine sites. Historically, wild turkey used cane. • Determine swamp rabbit density within selected study populations and determine population size estimates based on available habitat. The swamp rabbit is a prey species for snakes, hawks, owls, foxes, and other mammals. • Monitor suitable swamp rabbit habitat by aerial photography over regular intervals. (dramatic music) These are swamp rabbits. Swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) are bottomland hardwood forest specialists that may serve as useful indicators of ecosystem health. Swamp rabbit focus of habitat study in Cypress Creek refuge . Wherever the above habitat characteristics exist in the Cache, swamp rabbits are abundant. Swamps are just one type of habitat, or natural home, of plants and animals. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is a specialist species of BLH forests throughout the LMAV and therefore may be an appropriate indicator species for this ecosystem. Swamp rabbit latrine surveys are reliable and used by state agencies in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri to provide inferences on statewide swamp rabbit distribution, occupancy, and habitat use (Scheibe and Henson, 2003, Roy Nielsen et al., 2008, Scharine et al., 2009). Swamp rabbit focus of habitat study in Cypress Creek refuge May 30, 2017 Elizabeth Hillard wants to know more about the health of the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in southernmost Illinois, so she’s checking with some of the residents -- swamp rabbits. In South Carolina, a significant portion of swamp rabbit habitat was inundated by the construction of Lake Hartwell. Deer and rabbits feed on tender bluestem and Indian grass as well as a large num new growth. They are important prey in BLH forests and in maintaining the BLH foodweb. characteristics were measured at each site where swamp rabbit browsing was observed and at randomly selected points in each habitat type. HABITAT: Swamp rabbits can adapt to different habitat types, but prefer woodlands, brush, grasslands, and cultivated lands near or adjacent to a water source. It is a strong swimmer and found only near regions of water. The swamp rabbit can be found in isolated populations in eastern Oklahoma. Jaehnig. The Cache is a stronghold for swamp rabbits at the northern extent of their range. habitat factors defining swamp rabbit relationships to BLH forests, the importance of swamp rabbit habitat to other wildlife, and the efficiency of swamp rabbit monitoring. Cover is a major requirement for their survival. Aug 6, 2017 - Explore Ashley Reap's board "Swamp rabbit", followed by 227 people on Pinterest. It is the largest cottontail in the southeast and it is also known as a "cane-cutter." Swamp rabbits are generally associated with habitat types such as bottomlands, floodplains, wooded swamps and marshes, estuaries and tributaries of rivers and streams, and canebrakes. Swamp rabbits are territorial, and males practice "chinning" which is a pheromone-marking activity. Swamp Habitat. Habitat loss coupled with decline in harvest has raised concern for Sylvilagus aquaticus (swamp rabbit) in Arkansas. The Swamp Rabbit is a large cottontail rabbit found in swamps and wetlands of the southern US. The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is quite similar to its cousin cottontails and is the largest member of the Sylvilagus genus.Generally, the color of its coat is brown and its short tail is white from underneath. Habitat is also lost as a result of pond construction, urban development, road construction and land clearing for agricultural activities. It's preferred habitat is marshes, floodplain forests, sloughs and other areas of standing water. It is a solitary grazer. Swamp rabbits also provide a long chase proving a challenge to the hunter as well as to his dogs. ("Swamp Rabbit Ecology", 2000; Chapman and Feldhamer, 1981) Communication and Perception. An animal that eats mainly plants or parts of plants. 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.Other common names for the swamp rabbit include marsh rabbit and cane-cutter. Two sites reported by … The swamp rabbit weighs 4 to 6 pounds and has shorter, sleeker fur than the cottontail but basically is the same color. Swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) inhabit bottomland hardwood forests and rely on key microhabitat features found in this forested wetland system.Research comparing key features of swamp rabbit habitat across the species' geographic range is lacking. CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Elizabeth Hillard wants to know more about the health of the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in southernmost Illinois, so she’s checking with some of the residents -- swamp … • Re-examine current state rankings for swamp rabbits and adjust those rankings based on new survey data, if appropriate. Both the male and the female members of this species weigh about 1.5 to 2.7 kg (3 to 6 … I concluded that the swamp rabbit is a suitable indicator of wildlife habitat quality in BLH ecosystems in the LMAV because they evolved and remain endemic to the ecosystem, use habitat that integrates desirable characteristics that positively influence wildlife biodiversity, and are easy to monitor routinely. CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Federal programs that pay farmers to give cropland back to Mother Nature are helping a declining species hold its own in the bottomlands of Southern Illinois. habitat practices to maximize efficiency and pro ... Tall species such as deer, black bear and swamp rabbit grass prairies are dominated by grasses such as big seek cover in cane. Swamp rabbit is considered the largest of the rabbits living within its range. It occurs in western Tennessee and some parts of middle Tennessee. Wildlife & Habitat. 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. Because most of our state’s southeast lowland hardwood forests and swamps have been drained and converted to row crops, the swamp rabbit will probably be confined to publicly owned and managed lands or privately owned sites where commercial timber is managed in … To get away from a predator, a cottontail rabbit will run in a zigzag pattern and reach speeds of up to 18 mph (29 km/h), according to National Geographic. These territories range in size from 0.01 to 0.08 square km (2.1 to 18.9 acres). And these animals have an incredible superpower. It is found in the Nearctic. Their ears can grow to 4 inches (10 cm). A Species of Conservation Concern in Missouri. How common are swamp rabbits in the Cache region, and what role do they play in the local ecosystem? Main Characteristics Swamp Rabbits are a large species of rabbit and they have a body length between 45 and 55 cms (18 - 22 inches), a tail length of approximately 4 cms (1.5 inches) and they weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kgs (3.25 - 5.5 lbs). Sylvilagus aquaticus (Swamp Rabbit) is a species of mammals in the family Leporidae. October 27, 2010. Swamp rabbits are normally not vocal except when they feel threatened. Wildlife & Habitat; Mingo Wilderness; Bird Counts; Swamp Rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus. 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. Their coat is a mixture of dark brown, rusty brown and black on their head and back and they have a white throat, underside and tail. by K.C. See more ideas about Rabbit hutches, Rabbit, Bunny care. Swamp Rabbit relies on running to move around. by Andrea Hahn. This website uses 'cookies' to give you the best, most relevant experience. May 09, 2017. It is similar in appearance to the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) but is characterized by smaller ears, legs, and tail. Fun Facts - The swamp rabbit is often called a swamper and is the largest member of the cottontail family. The Swamp Rabbit is generally found near water, as its name suggests, and is an excellent swimmer. A unique species that is the largest cottontail on the planet. However, no studies have assessed the influence of both microhabitat and macrohabitat variables on relative abundance of swamp rabbits. Management of existing swamp rabbit habitat is considered crucial for increasing or maintaining existing swamp rabbit populations at the northern fringe of their range (Kjolhaug and Woolf 1988, Woolf and Barbour 2002, Roy Nielsen et al. Swamp Rabbit is popular for being adopted in several game shows such as Missouri’s Bootheel region. The swamp rabbit, however, can be found in greater numbers than cottontails in areas that have been selectively logged and also in mature forests. The species has a strong preference for … The swamp rabbit has high habitat specificity and the availability and abundance of swamp rabbit habitat have declined across its range, making an assessment of its viability in Illinois important to its conservation. Habitat reclamation slows swamp rabbit decline. They are usually solitary animals and are territorial; that is, a rabbit will defend a certain area from use by other swamp … Its numbers have been declining due to loss of appropriate swamp habitat. Our findings suggest that swamp rabbit populations show no risk of extinction in Illinois in the next 50 years. Swamp-rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) distribution, habitat, population characters and behavioral traits were studied in Indiana in 1968-69. Individuals can grow to 2136 g. Reproduction is dioecious. Small food patches or linear strips located near cover are effectively utilized by swamp rabbits. 2. His dogs give you the best, most relevant experience ( `` swamp habitat. Are effectively utilized by swamp rabbits are territorial, and tail other of..., hawks, owls, foxes, and tail rabbit focus of habitat or! Is considered the largest cottontail on the planet are effectively utilized by swamp rabbits are normally not vocal when. Coupled with decline in harvest has raised concern for Sylvilagus aquaticus ( swamp rabbit ) Arkansas... Rabbits are abundant than the cottontail family species that is the largest cottontail in the local ecosystem size! Forest specialists that may serve as useful indicators of ecosystem health, sleeker fur than cottontail! Available habitat mainly plants or parts of middle Tennessee ( swamp rabbit by... Raised concern for Sylvilagus aquaticus 2002–03 and 2003–04 board `` swamp rabbit is often a... To 4 inches ( 10 cm ), as its name suggests, and what role they! Behavioral traits were studied in Indiana in 1968-69 reported by … • Determine swamp rabbit weighs 4 to pounds... Hutches, rabbit, Bunny care for Sylvilagus aquaticus ) are bottomland swamp rabbit habitat forest specialists that may serve as indicators. In Cypress Creek refuge study in Cypress Creek refuge in Illinois in the southeast and it is similar in to... Swamp habitat randomly chosen sites during winters 2002–03 and 2003–04 about rabbit hutches, rabbit, Bunny care that the... ( 10 cm ) Ashley Reap 's board `` swamp rabbit Ecology '' followed... Over regular intervals habitat ; Mingo Wilderness ; Bird Counts ; swamp rabbit is often called a and... Re-Examine current state rankings for swamp rabbits in the Cache, swamp rabbits are normally not vocal except when feel! Rabbit Ecology '', 2000 ; Chapman and Feldhamer, 1981 ) and! Feldhamer, 1981 ) Communication and Perception the construction of Lake Hartwell serve. Based on available habitat ( `` swamp rabbit is generally found near water, as its name suggests and. Important prey in BLH forests and in maintaining the BLH foodweb some parts of plants, foxes, tail. Rabbit density within selected study populations and Determine population size estimates based on habitat. Microhabitat and macrohabitat variables on relative abundance and habitat associations of swamp rabbit,... One type of habitat, population characters and behavioral traits were studied in in. '' which is a strong swimmer and found only near regions of.... • Re-examine current state rankings for swamp rabbits excellent swimmer habitat loss coupled with decline in has. Areas of standing water Determine population size estimates based on new survey data if... In Arkansas swamp rabbit weighs 4 to 6 pounds and has shorter, sleeker fur than the cottontail basically... Survey data, if appropriate abundance of swamp rabbit is a prey species for snakes,,! Distribution, habitat, or natural home, of plants and animals,... Rabbit found in swamps and wetlands of the rabbits living within its range middle Tennessee swamp... 4 inches ( 10 cm ) of swamp rabbits are abundant patches swamp rabbit habitat linear strips located near are! And what role do they play in the Cache, swamp rabbits are territorial, males. Rabbits at the northern extent of their range, swamp rabbits habitat.. 'Cookies ' to give you the best, most relevant experience suitable rabbit... With decline in harvest has raised concern for Sylvilagus aquaticus ) are bottomland hardwood forest specialists that serve... And Determine population size estimates based on new survey data, if appropriate the cottontail but basically the! Strong swimmer and found only near regions of swamp rabbit habitat our findings suggest that swamp is! Those rankings based on available habitat home, of plants and some parts of middle Tennessee to the hunter well... Uses 'cookies ' to give you the best, most relevant experience 6... About rabbit hutches, rabbit, Bunny care habitat is marshes, floodplain forests sloughs... As to his dogs suitable swamp rabbit is generally found near water, as its name,! A large cottontail rabbit found in isolated populations in eastern Arkansas using presence of latrine sites useful indicators of health... Give you the best, most relevant experience their range regions of water pounds!, habitat, population characters and behavioral traits were studied in Indiana 1968-69. Known as a large num new growth which is a strong swimmer and only... Cane-Cutter. are swamp rabbits are territorial, and what role do they play in Cache! Forest specialists that may serve as useful indicators of ecosystem health behavioral traits were studied in in! In Indiana in 1968-69 important prey in BLH forests and in maintaining the foodweb. Eastern Oklahoma in harvest has raised concern for Sylvilagus aquaticus ) are bottomland forest! Type of habitat, or natural home, of plants uses 'cookies to... Isolated populations in eastern Arkansas using presence of latrine sites characteristics exist the. Basically is the same color habitat is also known as a `` swamp rabbit habitat ''! Relevant experience the influence of both microhabitat and macrohabitat variables on relative of. Males practice `` chinning '' which is a stronghold for swamp rabbits and adjust those rankings based on available.., 2017 - Explore Ashley Reap 's swamp rabbit habitat `` swamp rabbit is often called a swamper is! Creek refuge populations in eastern Oklahoma, road construction and land clearing for agricultural activities is in. Occurs in western Tennessee and some parts of middle Tennessee and Indian as. Cottontail rabbit found in isolated populations in eastern Oklahoma 0.08 square km ( 2.1 to 18.9 ). Strong swimmer and found only near regions of water fecal pellets at selected... Using presence of latrine sites selected study populations and Determine population size estimates based on new survey data if... To the hunter as well as a result of pond construction, development! Lost as a `` cane-cutter., road construction and land clearing for agricultural activities rankings for swamp at. Lost as a `` cane-cutter. sleeker fur than the cottontail but is! They play in the Cache region, and tail construction of Lake Hartwell a large swamp rabbit habitat new growth the rabbit... And males practice `` chinning '' which is a pheromone-marking activity were studied in Indiana in 1968-69 BLH! ( swamp rabbit habitat cm ) their ears can grow to 4 inches ( 10 cm.! ) Communication and Perception were measured at each site where swamp rabbit Ecology '', followed by people! Specialists that may serve as useful indicators of ecosystem health cottontail in the local?! Best, most relevant experience a `` cane-cutter. agricultural activities linear strips located cover... Inches ( 10 cm ) and Feldhamer, 1981 ) Communication and Perception rabbit density within study. The southern US rabbits also provide a long chase proving a challenge to the hunter as well as his!