Distribution and Status of the Swamp Rabbit in South Carolina

We conducted a survey from 1990 to 1995 to determine the distribution and status of the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in South Carolina. Populations appear largely confined to 3 counties in the Savannah river watershed of northwestern South Carolina. We found little evidence that a significant change in distribution has occurred in South Carolina since the species was first reported in the late 1930s. Swamp rabbits are restricted to bottomlands, but were found in a variety of successional habitats ranging from old-fields to mature hardwood forests.