Bunolagus – Riverine rabbit

One of the most endangered mammals in Africa, specifically native to the Karoo region of South Africa. The riverine rabbit stands out with its unique physical appearance. It has a dense, silky coat, usually brown or dark gray in color, with a distinctive cream or white-colored ring around each eye and a black stripe running from the corner of the mouth to the cheek. The underparts are generally lighter, and its long, bushy tail has a black underside, which is noticeable when fleeing threats.

Unlike other rabbits, the riverine rabbit has longer ears that are edged with black, and its hind legs are powerful yet proportionately shorter compared to other leporids, enhancing its ability to maneuver through dense, shrubby vegetation.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the riverine rabbit’s biology is its reproductive strategy. It is known for having a very low reproductive rate, typically giving birth to only one kitten per year. This is unusual among rabbits and contributes to their vulnerability and the difficulty in increasing population numbers. The species is strictly nocturnal and spends most of its day in extensive burrow systems that protect it from the harsh climatic conditions of its habitat and predators.

The habitat of the riverine rabbit is very specific; they are found only along seasonal riverbeds in the arid central and southern Karoo regions. They require dense vegetation for cover and sandy soil for burrowing. Their presence is often a good indicator of the health of their environment, as they require a habitat with undisturbed riparian vegetation. This specific habitat need makes them highly susceptible to threats such as habitat loss due to agriculture, particularly the clearing of land for crop cultivation and livestock grazing, which destroys their burrow systems and the vegetation cover they rely on for protection and food.