Introduction to Riverine Rabbits

Riverine rabbits (Bunolagus monticularis) are a small species of rabbit found only in South Africa’s Karoo desert region. These rabbits are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to their declining population numbers. Riverine rabbits were first discovered in 1901 and were classified as a distinct species in 1992.

Habitat and Distribution

Riverine rabbits are found in the Nama-Karoo and Succulent Karoo biomes in South Africa’s Northern Cape Province. These rabbits live in densely vegetated areas near riverbanks and rely on the vegetation for food. They are not strong burrowers and often use existing burrows made by other animals. Riverine rabbits have a limited distribution and are only found in a few fragmented areas of their range due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities.