Why are riverine rabbits in danger?
Threats. The Riverine Rabbit is listed as being Critically Endangered on the IUCN list. It is threatened by the agricultural development of its natural habitat, which has left much of it overgrazed and decimated.
How many riverine rabbits are left in South Africa?
“With only around 400 individuals left in the wild, the riverine rabbit qualifies as one of the rarest mammals in southern Africa.”
Where can riverine rabbits be found?
South Africa
The riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) is endemic to the Karoo region of South Africa, where it inhabits dense vegetation along seasonal rivers.
Why are riverine rabbits called that?
Riverine rabbits are found nowhere except in South Africa’s Karoo region, and as their name indicates, their preferred habitat is along the dry riverbeds of this arid region.
Are Riverine rabbits endangered?
| Riverine rabbit | |
|---|---|
| Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
What is the lifespan of a riverine rabbit?
four years
Their lifespan in the wild is not more than four years. DISTRIBUTION Most of their distribution range falls outside the Western Cape Province above the escarpment of the Nuweveld mountains in the semi- arid Central Karoo.
How can you tell a riverine rabbit?
Identification. The riverine rabbit is native to the Karoo desert in South Africa. It has a general appearance that is similar to most rabbits, but the ears and body are longer. It typically has a black stripe running from the corner of the mouth over the cheek, and a white ring around each eye.
How can we save riverine rabbits?
Endemic to the Karoo and one of the world’s rarest mammals, research has determined that the only way to secure the Riverine Rabbit’s long term survival is through protection of natural habitat.
Are rabbits indigenous to South Africa?
Three genera of Leporidae are indigenous in South Africa: Bunolagus (Riverine Rabbits); Pronolagus (Natal Red Rock Hare, Jameson’s Red Rock Hare and Smith’s Red Rock Hare and Hewitt’s Red Rock Hare); and Lepus (Cape Hare, African Savannah Hare and Scrub Hare).
What is the most endangered rabbit?
Riverine rabbit
| Riverine rabbit | |
|---|---|
| Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
How big is a riverine rabbit?
approximately 52 cm
COMMON NAME Riverine rabbit Oewerkonyn SCIENTIFIC NAME Bunolagus monticularis CONSERVATION STATUS Critically Endangered IDENTIFICATION The riverine rabbit can reach approximately 52 cm in size and has large ears.
Are Riverine rabbits ordinary rabbits?
HABITAT Riverine rabbits are very habitat-specific and are found in dense patches of riverine bush along seasonal rivers of the semi-arid central Karoo. They are the only indigenous burrowing rabbit in Africa and are dependent on deep and soft alluvial soils.
Where do riverine rabbits live in the Karoo?
Riverine rabbits are very habitat-specific and are found in dense patches of riverine bush along seasonal rivers of the semi-arid central Karoo.
Where can you find a riverine rabbit in Australia?
Not only is the riverine rabbit critically endangered, it is found only in the Karoo. In the few photos taken of it, a white ring around the eye and a distinctive black stripe stretching from mouth to cheek give it the air of a startled moustachioed matinee idol trapped in the spotlights wearing fluffy slippers.
What kind of hair does a riverine rabbit have?
The hair on the nape of the neck is slightly shorter and is a rich rufous colour. The grey-brown tail is short and fluffy, but darker towards the tip. HABITAT Riverine rabbits are very habitat-specific and are found in dense patches of riverine bush along seasonal rivers of the semi-arid central Karoo.
What kind of vegetation does a riverine rabbit live in?
Two of the most common plants in its habitat are Salsola glabrescens (11·8%) and Lycium spp. (8·5%). They appear and live specifically in riverine vegetation on alluvial soils adjacent to seasonal rivers, though studies have found this habitat to be sixty-seven percent fragmented in certain areas.