Pentalagus – Amami rabbit

One of Japan’s most unique and ancient mammals—often called a “living fossil” because it belongs to an ancient lineage of rabbits that has survived for millions of years. Found only on the islands of Amami Ōshima and Tokunoshima in the Ryukyu Islands, this rare species looks quite different from the familiar fluffy white rabbits you might picture. It has short ears, short legs, dark brown to black fur, and small eyes, giving it a more primitive, almost rodent-like appearance.

One of the Amami rabbit’s most interesting traits is its nocturnal lifestyle. During the day, it hides in dense forests or underground burrows, emerging only at night to feed. Its diet includes grasses, leaves, acorns, and other plant material, and in autumn, it’s known to cache food underground. The rabbit’s strong forelimbs and claws make it an excellent digger, and it can create complex burrow systems for shelter and raising its young.

A fascinating detail about the Amami rabbit is its vocal behavior—something quite unusual for rabbits. It can produce high-pitched calls, especially when warning others of danger or communicating with its young. This makes it one of the few rabbits known to use vocal sounds as a key part of its social interaction. Mothers also have a very cautious parenting style, visiting their nest only briefly to feed the young, which helps avoid attracting predators.

Speaking of predators, the Amami rabbit faces serious threats from invasive species, particularly mongooses and feral dogs, which prey on both adults and young. Habitat loss from logging and development has also reduced its forest home. Because it is restricted to just two islands and has a small population, the Amami rabbit is listed as Endangered. Conservation efforts include predator control, forest protection, and public education on its ecological importance.