Venezuelan lowland rabbit
# 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.

## Diet

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

## Habitat

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

## Description

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

## Breeding

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.

## Threats

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

