Conservation Corner: March 8, 1999

Biology Of The Swamp Rabbit
by James L. Cummins

Two species of rabbits - the Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and the swamp rabbit (S. aquaticus) occur in Mississippi. Let's discuss the biology of the swamp rabbit.

The swamp rabbit is much larger and darker in color than the cottontail. Swamp rabbits range in length from 18 to 22 inches and weigh 2 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds each.

They prefer cane brakes and dense thickets in bottom and hardwood swamps that border streams and rivers. In many cases, the swamp rabbit will go to water to hide from predators. Swamp rabbits are mainly active at night. They often feed at dawn or dusk on overcast or rainy days. They usually spend their entire life in less than five acres of good habitat; however, they may cover any area as large as 15 acres when food and cover are limited. They usually utilize logs or stumps as resting areas. In bad weather they will utilize brush piles, cane brakes and hollow logs for cover.

Swamp rabbits feed entirely on plants. They prefer young cane shoots; that is the reason for the name "canecutter". Emergent vegetation, grasses, sedges and dock are other preferred foods. In winter, swamp rabbits feed on less favorite foods such as cross fern, poison ivy, green briar, tree seedlings and bark.

The breeding season for swamp rabbits extends from January through September, peaking between February and May. Swamp rabbits typically nest in hollow logs or stumps. Spanish moss, which is common in certain parts of Mississippi, is sometimes used to line the nest. Swamp rabbits are unlike cottontails, which are born after a month's gestation, naked and eyes closed. Swamp rabbits are born furred after a gestation of almost six weeks and their eyes open almost immediately.

Litter size varies from one to six and three litters are produced per year. Swamp rabbits are able to fend for themselves in a period of one week or less. Female swamp rabbits born in the early part of the breeding season may have litters of their own before late summer. Approximately 20 percent of the "canecutters" will live longer than 12 to 15 months. This figure will remain stable with or without normal hunting pressure.

Rabbits are an important food source for a variety of predators including snakes, hawks, owls, foxes, coyotes and bobcats. By converting plant food into animal matter, rabbits constitute an important part of the food chain.

On a final note, rabbits may carry the disease tularemia which is transmissible to humans. As a precaution, rubber gloves should be worn when cleaning rabbits since the disease may enter the body through small cuts in the skin.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.