Sylvilagus gabbi (J.A.Allen, 1877)

Common Names and Taxonomic Identity

The Central American tapeti (Sylvilagus gabbi), also known as Gabb's cottontail, is a species of cottontail rabbit native to southern Mexico and most of Central America.

Taxonomic Classification History

It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the common tapeti (Sylvilagus brasiliensis), but 2017 genetic and morphological analysis confirmed it is distinct enough to be recognized as a separate species.

Closely Related Taxa

It is closely related to the northern tapeti, which some authors classify as a subspecies of S. gabbi.

Common Name Etymology

Its common name Gabb's cottontail honors American paleontologist William More Gabb.

Species Distribution Range

This species ranges across Central America from eastern and southeastern Mexico south to Panama.

Nominate Subspecies Distribution

The nominate northern subspecies, Sylvilagus gabbi gabbi, occurs from the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Tabasco, and Campeche, extending into Guatemala and Belize.

Sylvilagus gabbi truei Distribution

The subspecies Sylvilagus gabbi truei is found from Guatemala through Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica to Panama.

Sylvilagus gabbi truei Range Confirmation

Currently, Sylvilagus gabbi truei has no confirmed records of occurrence elsewhere in Central America beyond this range.