FAU Biosphere Project: Mammals
Eastern Cottontail
(Sylvilagus floridanus)
The Eastern Cottontail is the most common rabbit in North America. On the FAU Ecological Preserve, they forage in the open prairies and take cover from predators under the saw palmettos. They nest in burrows created by other animals and are frequent inhabitants of abandoned gopher tortoise burrows. Cottontails are prolific breeders. In southern Florida a female cottontail can give birth to more than 30 offspring per year, producing a litter as often as every two months.
Feral Cat (Felis catus)
Feral cats are becoming more and more common in our natural and urban landscapes in North America. While these cats are technically considered domestic, they are more aggressive and dangerous than pet cats.
Feral cats are not native to Florida. In the wild, they can kill over 100 birds and mammals per year, even if they are well fed. Cats are very good competitors with native wildlife. They can also spread diseases such as toxoplasmosis. Despite how cute they may appear, feral cats can cause serious damage to native wildlife.
“Feral Cats.” Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission