Sylvilagus mansuetus
CR

Sylvilagus mansuetus

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jos%C3%A9_brush_rabbit

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The San José brush rabbit faces severe habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and dogs, pose significant mortality risks to remaining populations. The species' restriction to a small area around San José del Cabo makes it exceptionally vulnerable to localized threats and natural disasters.

Threat summary

Habitat

This critically endangered rabbit inhabits dense brush and scrubland vegetation in the Cape region of Baja California Sur, Mexico. It requires thick understory cover for protection and foraging, typically found in areas with native shrubs and cacti that provide both food resources and shelter from predators.

Desert· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryCompliance and enforcement

Other threatened species in LEPORIDAE

CR

Bunolagus monticularis

Declining
Pentalagus furnessiEN

Pentalagus furnessi

Declining
Nesolagus timminsiEN

Nesolagus timminsi

Declining
Lepus hainanusEN

Lepus hainanus

Declining

Threatened in Mexico

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Rzedowski's Pine

Pinus rzedowskii

Stable
CR

Big Pocket Gopher

Heterogeomys lanius

Declining
Artichoke CoralCR

Artichoke Coral

Scolymia cubensis

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Sylvilagus mansuetus classified as Critically Endangered?
Sylvilagus mansuetus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The San José brush rabbit faces severe habitat loss due to urban development and agricultural expansion across its extremely limited range in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and dogs, pose significant mortality risks to remaining populations. The species' restriction to a small area around San José del Cabo makes it exceptionally vulnerable to localized threats and natural disasters.
Where does Sylvilagus mansuetus live?
Sylvilagus mansuetus occurs in Mexico. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Sylvilagus mansuetus?
The main threats to Sylvilagus mansuetus are 1.1, 5.1, 8.1, and 8.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.