Year of the threatened rabbit
As we prepare to welcome the Chinese Year of the Rabbit conservationists warn that, despite their reputation as prolific breeders, nearly one in four rabbits, hares and pikas is now under threat.
European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) on the Iberian Peninsula have drastically declined, mainly because of rabbit haemorrhagic fever and habitat loss, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The jack rabbit (Lepus flavigularis) is native to Mexico but due to habitat loss, fewer than 1,000 are thought to remain in grasslands and coastal grassy dunes. The species is now listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
The ili pika (Ochotona iliensis), another member of the lagomorph order, lives on high cliff faces in China. Recent population declines and low reproduction rates have given conservationists cause for concern.
The Critically Endangered riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) is now only found in the central Karoo region of South Africa. There are thought to be less than 240 left in the wild.
Also listed as Endangered, the amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) is now only found on two small islands to the south of Japan. The species is threatened by mongooses introduced to the islands to control poisonous snakes.
North America's pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are also under scrutiny. Although they thrive in the Great Basin, populations in Washington have become isolated as their habitat is cleared for agriculture.
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