title: Venezuelan lowland rabbit
text: # 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.
  
  