Marsh rabbit
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. It is a strong swimmer and found only near regions of water. It is similar in appearance to the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) but is characterized by smaller ears, legs, and tail.[3]
Phylogeny[edit]
In the subgenus Tapeti in the genus Sylvilagus, marsh rabbits and swamp rabbits share a chromosomal karyotype derived from a common ancestor and have a diploid number of 2n=38.[1] Molecular data analysis from sequencing the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene confirms that S. palustris and S. aquaticus are sister taxa under their subgenus.[6] Since this gene evolves very slowly in most organisms, it is very useful in determining genetic origins of closely related species.
Size[edit]
Marsh rabbits are typically smaller than eastern cottontail rabbits. Adults from the Florida peninsula weigh approximately 2.2–2.6 pounds (1.00–1.18 kg) with a total length upwards of 17 inches (43 cm). Adults from the mainland regions typically grow larger, weighing up to 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) and reaching more than 17.5 inches (44 cm) in length.[5][7] The hind feet of the average mainland marsh rabbit is also larger, at 3.6 inches (9.1 cm) compared with 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) for the typical specimen of the Florida peninsula.[5]
Three subspecies of Sylvilagus palustris have been identified:
Appearance[edit]
Marsh rabbits display a blackish brown or dark reddish dorsal surface.[9] The belly is a dingy brownish gray in most but can also have a dull white appearance in mainland rabbits.[5][10] The leading edges of the ears display small black tufts with ochre on the inside.[7][10] rough hair on the dorsal side can be fringed with black hairs. The black portions of the upper parts often change to a dull grayish buff in spring and summer months, returning to a reddish or ochre color in fall, followed by darker black in the winter. Rabbits of peninsular Florida typically display darker and redder colors with a cinnamon-rufous nape, feet, and legs. Juveniles display much darker and duller colors than adults.[10]
One feature that distinguishes marsh rabbits from swamp rabbits and cottontails is that the underside of the tail is almost never white but more brownish gray.[10] Another curious feature observed in specimens from southern Florida is melanism. These individuals exhibit completely black phenotypic coloration that does not change seasonally.[7]
Marsh rabbits have a number of features that distinguish them from cottontails and swamp rabbits. The short ears and legs are much smaller than that of a swamp rabbit. The tail is also much reduced from the bushy tail seen in cottontails.[7]
Habitat[edit]
The marsh rabbit commonly inhabits brackish and freshwater marshes, mainly of cattails and cypress.[11] In southern Florida, they commonly occupy sandy islands and mangrove swamps.[7] They are strictly limited to regions with ready access to water, unlike most rabbits.[8] Often, they will enter tidal marshes, but remain near high ground for protection. Normal hiding spots include dense thickets of magnolia, blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), briers, and cattails.[12]
Reproduction[edit]
Breeding in marsh rabbits occurs year-round. Typical brood sizes are 2 to 4 young with a gestation period of 30 to 37 days.[7] Adult females produce up to 6 litters per year with an average annual production of 15 to 20 young.[8] Nests are built from rushes, grasses, and leaves. The well-covered nest is lined with hair from the adult rabbits. They are often found in dense thickets or swampy places completely surrounded by water for protection.[13]
Human interaction[edit]
In regions of the South, marsh rabbits are regularly hunted along with swamp rabbits by burning large patches of dried grass to flush them out.[7] In some states, the marsh rabbit is considered a game animal and is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. For example, South Carolina establishes a hunting season from November 27 to March 2 with a 5 rabbit per day bag limit.[15] In Virginia, marsh rabbit hunting is managed by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.[16]
With their diet of mainly aquatic plants, marsh rabbits are considered minor agricultural pests to most economically viable crops. In southern Florida, however, they are considered major pests of sugar cane fields.[7][8]
Cultural references[edit]
In Georgia, the marsh rabbit is known as pontoon. In Alabama, swamp rabbits (or cane-cutters) are often mistaken for marsh rabbits.[5][13] In many regions of the Eastern US where it is served in restaurants, "marsh rabbit" is actually a euphemism for muskrat meat. True marsh rabbit meat is often prepared as a stew, or it may be marinated, covered in flour, and fried.[17]