№ 52 of 100
Riverine Rabbit
Bunolagus monticularis
One of the world's rarest rabbits hides in ribbon-thin riverside thickets of South Africa's Karoo.
- Range
- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
- Habitat
- Dense riverside scrub of seasonal rivers in the Karoo desert
The story
The nocturnal riverine rabbit produces only a single kit a year, making every lost individual costly. Because most survivors live on private farmland, conservation here means partnerships: farmers signing conservancy agreements to spare the riverine scrub their sheep don't need.
What's killing them
- Riverbank habitat ploughed for agriculture
- Fragmentation by fences and roads
- Low breeding rate — one kit per year
Who's fighting for them
ZSL EDGEZoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
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Quick answers
How many Riverine Rabbits are left in the world?
Approximately ~500. The Riverine Rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Riverine Rabbit live?
The Riverine Rabbit is found in South Africa (Africa). Their habitat: Dense riverside scrub of seasonal rivers in the Karoo desert.
Why is the Riverine Rabbit endangered?
The main threats to the Riverine Rabbit are: Riverbank habitat ploughed for agriculture; Fragmentation by fences and roads; Low breeding rate — one kit per year.
Who is working to save the Riverine Rabbit?
Organisations working on Riverine Rabbit conservation include Zoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.