Can supplemental food increase winter survival of a threatened cottontail rabbit?

► New conservation measured needed to stop declines in endangered New England cottontail (NEC) (Sylvilagus transitionalis) populations. ► Population declines caused by loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation from reforestation and development. ► Supplemental feeding can reduce winter-mortality rates by negating the need to forage away from cover in marginal habitats. ► Supplemental feeding of eastern cottontails (EC) (Sylvilagus floridanus) significantly improved winter survival rates. ► If used in conjunction with other management strategies, supplemental feeding could sustain at-risk populations of NEC.