Why is the lower keys rabbit endangered?

Habitat loss: The Lower Keys rabbit's habitat is being rapidly lost due to human activities such as urban development, agriculture, and tourism. This loss of habitat fragments the rabbit's population, making it more vulnerable to predation and disease.

Hunting: The Lower Keys rabbit was once hunted for food and fur, and even though it's now officially protected, some illegal hunting still occurs.

Disease: The Lower Keys rabbit is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including tularemia, which is a bacterial disease that can be fatal to rabbits. Tularemia is spread by ticks, and the Lower Keys rabbit's habitat is home to many ticks.

Predation: The Lower Keys rabbit is preyed upon by a variety of animals, including snakes, owls, and hawks. The introduction of non-native predators, such as cats, has also contributed to the decline of the Lower Keys rabbit.

Climate change: Climate change is also a major threat to the Lower Keys rabbit. Rising sea levels are inundating the rabbit's habitat, and more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, are destroying its food and shelter.