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The Riverine Rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis), also known as the Bushman Rabbit or Bushman Hare is a species of rabbit and one of the rarest mammals in the world. It has an extremely limited distribution area, found uniquely in the central and southern regions of the Karoo Desert of South Africa's Cape Province. It is the only member of the genus Bunolagus.
Description
The species typically has a black stripe running from the corner of the mouth over the cheek. It has a brown woolly tail, cream-colored fur on its belly and throat, and a broad, club-like hind foot. Its tail is pale brown with a tinge of black toward the tip. It is a nocturnal species.
Distribution
The rabbit is nowadays only found in a few places in the Karoo, none of them being a protected area. Fraserburg, Sutherland and Victoria West all hold small populations of the rabbit.
References
- Database entry includes justification for why this species is critically endangered
External links
- ARKive - images and movies of the riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis)
- additional images available at riverinerabbit.co.za
"Riverine Rabbit"