Parental Behavior in Swamp Rabbits

Abstract

Parental behavior of confined swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) was studied in a 2-acre enclosure and in four adjacent pens (23 by 48 feet). Observations were made from July 1964 to April 1966, on a breeding population numbering from 14 to 23 rabbits. Most of 47 active nests examined were built against or under fences, bases of trees, boards, lean-to shelters, and similar structures. Some nests were built a few days prior to parturition, but others apparently were built on the night of parturition. Females often built dummy nests, and about half as many dummy as active nests were found. Females littering on about the same date sometimes built nests close together. One closely-observed female lined her nest with fur immediately before, and nursed her young immediately after, parturition. Young were occasionally scattered at birth. Dawn and dusk appeared to be the favored times for nursing the young. Nursing periods were commonly 10 to 20 minutes long. When young were in the nest, the nursing female sat in front of the nest and rolled her body forward over the entrance; when the young were older, and out of the nest, she simply crouched on all four legs. By manipulation, milk could often be expressed from teats, but this was not a reliable indicator of nursing status or recency of parturition. Distress cries of young sometimes attracted the mother. Females made no effort to move their young to safety when high water flooded the nests. Strange young placed in nests were readily adopted. In spite of frequent human disturbance, only one nestling litter was abandoned. Males showed no parental interest.