The Barinas wild rabbit was described from lowlands in Barinas state, western Venezuela. At study sites, many rabbits were observed or captured in herbaceous vegetation known as Escobillal.
The original description called it the largest and darkest rabbit then known from Venezuela. Its skull is broad and elongated, and its coat-band pattern differs from those of related species.
In 1989, at 2 study sites in Barinas state, about 80% of observed rabbits and 74% of captured rabbits were recorded in Escobillal, a herbaceous association dominated by Malvastrum and Sida.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.