Sylvilagus gabbi (J. A. Allen, 1877)

Don E. Wilson, Thomas E. Lacher, Jr & Russell A. Mittermeier, 2016, Leporidae, Handbook of the Mammals of the World – Volume 6 Lagomorphs and Rodents I, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, pp. 107-148 : 121

20.

Central American Tapeti

Sylvilagus gabbi

French: Lapin de Gabb / German: Mittelamerika-Tapeti / Spanish: Conejo de Centroamérica

Other common names: Central American Forest Rabbit, Tropical Cottontail

Taxonomy. Lepus brasiliensis var. gabbi J. A. Allen, 1877 ,

“Talamanca [= Sipurio, Rio Sixaola, near Caribbean coast], Costa Rica.”

Formerly, Sylvilagus gabbi was included in S. brasiliensis , but it recently received full species status due to chromosomal information and distinct morphological characters. Subspecies truei was moved from S. brasiliensis to S. gabbi . Three different karyotypes are recorded for S. gabbi (2n = 36, 2n = 38, and 2n = 40). As taxonomists are still trying to clarify the species differentiation in Sylvilagus , the subspecific taxonomy is not elaborated yet. The original descriptions of the subspecies are often not very helpful as they are mostly based on few exterior characteristics and small numbers of individuals. It has been shown that the variability is clinal in more careful investigations.

Hence, the distinction in subspecies might be arbitrary and unreasonable. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution.

S. g. gabbi]. A. Allen, 1877 — SE Guatemala, N & E Honduras, N & E Nicaragua, NE, E & S Costa Rica, and Panama.

S. g truer]. A. Allen, 1890 — E & SE of Mexico (S Tamaulipas, SE San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, NE Querétaro, NE Hidalgo, NE, E & SE Puebla, N & NE Oaxaca, N & C Chiapas, Tabasco, and SW Campeche), S Belize, and Guatemala (except SE tip).

Descriptive notes. Head—body 380-390 mm, tail mean 21 mm, ear 40-50 mm, hindfoot mean 77 mm. No specific data are available for body weight but probably 500-950 g. The Central American Tapeti is small, with short ears, short hindfeet, and extremely short tail. Dorsal color varies from near blackish to blackish brown. Sides and tail are slightly paler than back. Tail is uniformly brown, and ventral fur is whitish, exceptfor dark brownish throat patch.

Habitat. Tropical forests including rain, deciduous, and second growth forests near openings and pastures adjoining forested areas from sea level to elevations ofat least 1524 m. A representative rainforest used by the Central American Tapeti in Veracruz had a well-developed canopy of trees up to 50 m high, including breadnut ( Brosimum alicastrum, Moraceae ) and Nectandra ambigens ( Lauraceae ), and sparse understory.

Food and Feeding. There is no information available for this species.

Breeding. Reproductive season of the Central American Tapeti lasts throughout the year in Chiapas, Mexico. Gestation is ¢.28 days, and litter sizes are 3—8 young.

Activity patterns. There is no information available for this species.

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Central American Tapeti uses well-worn runways in undergrowth in forest edges.

Status and Conservation. The Central American Tapeti has not been assessed as a separate species on The IUCN Red List, but it was formerly considered to be the Common Tapeti (S. brasiliensis ), which is classified as Least Concern. The Central American Tapeti is widespread and common. No severe population declines have been reported, but no recent population assessmentis available. A population decline was recorded in Mexico after deforestation, but the Central American Tapeti survives well in second growth forests and pastures. Besides habitat loss due to deforestation, human settlementis a threat to the Central American Tapeti. Impact of tropical deforestation is poorly known. Recommendations are to clarify taxonomy of the Central American Tapeti and evaluate its distribution and population status. Expanded studies on its biology and ecology are needed because most existing data are from a study conducted in Chiapas, Mexico.

Bibliography. Allen (1877a), AMCELA, Romero & Rangel (2008c), Angermann (2016), Ceballos (2014), Chapman & Ceballos (1990), Diersing (1981), Guerena-Géandara et al. (1982), Hall (1981), Hershkovitz (1950), Hoffmann & Smith (2005), Lissovsky (2016), Lorenzo & Cervantes (1995), Nelson (1909), Ruedas & Salazar-Bravo (2007).

Figures

1. Amami Rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi), 2. Jameson’s Red Rock Hare (Pronolagus randensis), 3. Natal Red Rock Hare (Pronolagus crassicaudatus), 4. Smith’s Red Rock Hare (Pronolagus rupestris), 5. Hewitt’s Red Rock Hare (Pronolagus saundersiae), 6. Volcano Rabbit (Romerolagus diaz), 7. Riverine Rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis), 8. Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), 9. Sumatran Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus netscher), 10. Annamite Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi), 11. Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani), 12. San Jose Brush Rabbit (Sylvilagus mansuetus), 13. Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), 14. Mountain Cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii), 15. New England Cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis)

Subspecies and Distribution. S. g. gabbi]. A. Allen, 1877 — SE Guatemala, N & E Honduras, N & E Nicaragua, NE, E & S Costa Rica, and Panama. S. g truer]. A. Allen, 1890 — E & SE of Mexico (S Tamaulipas, SE San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, NE Querétaro, NE Hidalgo, NE, E & SE Puebla, N & NE Oaxaca, N & C Chiapas, Tabasco, and SW Campeche), S Belize, and Guatemala (except SE tip).