Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Leporidae
- Genus
- Sylvilagus
Habitat
This species primarily inhabits the mountainous regions of central New Mexico, such as the Manzano Mountains, at elevations between 1,800 and 3,000 meters. It prefers areas with dense shrublands, rocky slopes, and piñon-juniper woodlands that provide cover and food sources. These rabbits avoid open areas, opting for habitats with ample vegetation for protection.
Diet
The Manzano mountain cottontail feeds mainly on grasses, leaves, stems, and bark from plants like sagebrush and juniper. It exhibits crepuscular feeding behavior, most active at dawn and dusk to forage in open areas while minimizing predation risk. In winter, it may rely more on woody plants and stored food.
Behavior
Manzano mountain cottontails are primarily solitary and territorial, marking their areas with scent and thumping their hind feet to signal danger. They are crepuscular, most active during dawn and dusk, and spend the day resting in dense brush or shallow burrows. These rabbits exhibit quick, erratic movements to evade predators and can live in overlapping home ranges without forming social groups.
Conservation Status
The IUCN has not assessed the Manzano mountain cottontail, but it is believed to be of Least Concern due to its stable population in its limited range. Major threats include habitat loss from development and predation by introduced species.