The cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus) are a genus of Americanlagomorphs in the family Leporidae, in appearance closely similar to the wild European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cunicularis). Most members of the genus have a stub tail with a white underside that shows when they are retreating, and this is what gives them their name. However, this feature is not present in all cottontails (for example, the underside of the Brush Rabbit's tail is grey), nor is it unique to the genus - the European Rabbit also has a white scut.
The genus is widely distributed across North America, though most species are confined to particular regions. Most (though not all) species live in burrows, and all have altricial young.
They are distinguished by their generally larger size and darker coloration; proportionately shorter and rounder ears; coarser body fur that is dark grayish or yellowish brown with coarse fl peppering or mottling on the head and upperside of the body; a cinnamon colored eye-ring, a rusty
The underparts, including the underside of the tail, are white except for the buffy-gray underside of the neck and chest.
Unlike other Sylvilagus in which females are slightly larger than males, there apparently is no size difference between male and female swamp rabbits.
Two genera of lagomorphs (Lepus, hares; and Sylvilagus, rabbits) and at least eight genera of rodents (Dipodomys, kangaroo rats; Microtus, voles; Neotoma, wood rats; Perognathus and Peromyscus, mice; Sciurus, grey squirrels; Spermophilus, ground squirrels; and Thomomys, gophers) are represented with some frequency.
Lepus was procured, at least in part, by organized, communal drives, whereas Sylvilagus audubonii and rodents were probably procured through "encounter" hunting or by the use of traps.
Discussing the predominance of Sylvilagus bachmani remains at SDM-W-143/146, Reynolds noted that brush rabbits "are quite small animals and difficult to procure....Since food was not in short supply, it seems likely that brushrabbit was a preferred food" (Cardenas and Robbins-Wade 1985:Appendix H).
Feeds |
Contact