Venezuelan lowland rabbit

The Venezuelan lowland rabbit (Sylvilagus varynaensis), also known as the Barinas wild rabbit, is a cottontail rabbit species found in western Venezuela.[2]

Venezuelan lowland rabbit
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Sylvilagus
Species:
S. varynaensis
Binomial name
Sylvilagus varynaensis
Durant & Guevara, 2001
Venezuelan lowland rabbit range

Diet edit

Its diet consists in large measure of plants of the genus Sida.[1]

Habitat edit

It is found in lowland savannas close to dry forests within the Llanos ecoregion.[1]

Description edit

It is the largest of only three leporids known from South America.[2] Head and body length is about 44 cm, with females being slightly larger.[1]

Breeding edit

Reproduction takes place over three quarters of the year, with an average of 2.6 embryos per litter, but most commonly during September through December. The gestation period is 35 days.[1]

Threats edit

Possible threats to the species include habitat destruction by deforestation and agricultural conversion, competition with grazing livestock and hunting.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d e f Johnston, C.H.; Smith, A.T. (2019). "Sylvilagus varynaensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T41311A45193972. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T41311A45193972.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Hoffman, R.S.; Smith, A.T. (2005). "Order Lagomorpha". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 211. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.