Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436840
Marsh Rabbit
Sylvilagus palustrisAlso known as Pontoon Rabbit
Marsh rabbits excel as strong swimmers, frequently taking to coastal wetlands and swamps to escape predators or forage on aquatic vegetation. Unlike their cottontail relatives, they feature short ears, small feet, and dark grey-brown tails that lack a bright white underside. They navigate dense marsh grasses along well-worn runways and maintain nocturnal foraging habits under the safety of thick cover.
SemiaquaticHerbivoreNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Marsh Grasses
- Sedges
- Cattails
Predators
- American Alligator
- Great Horned Owl
- Bobcat
ThreatsHabitat loss, invasive predators, sea level rise
HabitatsCoastal salt marshes, brackish swamps, freshwater wetlands
Life span1 to 4 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLagomorpha
- FamilyLeporidae
- GenusSylvilagus
- SpeciesSylvilagus palustris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- May bite or scratch if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a distance.
- What to notice
- Identified by dark brownish fur, short rounded ears, and a dark tail lacking a white underside.
- Support conservation
- Remain on designated boardwalks and trails to avoid crushing hidden runways and nest sites.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Search along marsh edges and coastal canals at dawn or dusk.
- Observation: Use binoculars from boardwalks to avoid disturbing hidden nest sites.
- Identification: Look for small ears and a dull grey tail to distinguish from cottontails.
Predator no rights reserved, uploaded by Vijay Barve · cc0
Close Relative (c) Andrew Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Murray · cc-by
Close Relative Brandon Johnson / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
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