AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sylvilagus floridanus
Eastern Cottontail
J. A. Allen, 1890
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Compact body of grayish-brown color, long ears, and a short, fluffy tail that is white on the underside.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Mammalia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lagomorpha
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Leporidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sylvilagus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.J. A. Allen, 1890
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Highly adaptable; inhabits meadows, open woodlands, shrublands, and agricultural zones. Common in forest edges.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Herbivore: consumes grasses, sprouts, bark, and various wild plants.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary and territorial.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Crepuscular and nocturnal, most active at dusk.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Fundamental prey in the food chain of many terrestrial predators.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Highly prolific reproduction, with several litters per year.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
35.0 - 45.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
800 g - 1.60 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.3 - 6
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
0.5 - 0.7 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
28 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Females tend to be slightly larger.
Females Multi-lang
Females tend to be slightly larger.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its large ears provide exceptional hearing to detect predators, and powerful hind legs allow for a quick zig-zag escape.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Predation by carnivores, roadkill, and habitat loss due to urbanization.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They do not build their own burrows; instead, they use abandoned burrows of other animals or take shelter in shallow depressions.