It lives in wetlands and low areas near water. When pursued, it may enter the water, swim, or dive.
The upperparts are brownish-gray, the underside is white, and the ears are rounded.
Researchers compared swamp-rabbit survey data from 16 counties in southeastern Missouri. Estimated occupancy rose from 0.66 in 2010–2012 to 0.79 in 2022–2023. It was higher at larger sites and lower where sites were more isolated or had greater patch richness.
Across 169 sites sampled in both periods, adding ground latrines raised detection from 0.68 to 0.84 and occupancy estimates to 0.95–1.00. Changes in bottomland hardwood forest cover and flooding were associated with colonization and local extinction estimates. The study used dynamic occupancy models, and the authors recommend long-term monitoring of flood frequency and intensity.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.
In southeastern Missouri, swamp-rabbit occupancy rose from 0.66 in 2010–2012 to 0.79 in 2022–2023. The authors examined bottomland hardwood forest and flooding, and recommend long-term monitoring of flood frequency and intensity.