A camera trap captured a critically endangered riverine rabbit in Sutherland, Northern Cape, last week. This is the first time the rabbit has been sighted in the area in 20 years. 

The Cape Leopard Trust unexpectedly photographed the rabbit using a camera trap set up to monitor its Mobi-kraal (mobile predator-proof kraal) project. 

The organisation says the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape team positively identified the rabbit. 

Esther Matthew from the EWT explains that the International Union for Conservation of Nature classified the riverine rabbit as endangered in 1981 and reclassified it as critically endangered in 2002. 

Loss of habitat 

“Genetic studies indicate that there could be close to 5 000 individuals; however, loss of suitable habitat shows that there might not be enough habitat left to support such numbers. 

“As such, the current number is estimated at roughly 1 400 to 3 500 mature individuals depending on regional surveys and subpopulation tracking by organisations like the Endangered Wildlife Trust,” says Matthew.

She says no single location (subpopulation) contains more than 50 mature individuals that are directly connected. 

When asked why they are endangered, Matthew explains that their biggest challenges are habitat fragmentation and habitat loss. 

“These rabbits require very specific habitat factors. Furthermore, it seems that they have few young in a year, with one or two kits per birthing process.” 

Matthew adds that the EWT continues to research and monitor the species and uses the information gathered to formally protect key habitat areas. 

According to her, their presence is currently confirmed only in the Karoo, in three geographical areas across the Western and Northern Cape. 

The Cape Leopard Trust says there has been many other records in other parts of the Karoo and this sighting is the first sighting specific to the Sutherland area.

“The location was also in a bit of an unusual spot, and the theory is that this rabbit moved to higher ground on these specific two days, due to the riparian area (their expected habitat) being flooded during this time.” 

One of a kind in SA 

The rabbits are medium-sized, weighing between 1.5–1.8kg, with females slightly larger than males. 

Matthew says that the riverine rabbit is not a hare.

“While they belong to the broader Leporidae family (which encompasses all rabbits and hares), extensive genetic and behavioural studies have firmly classified them as a rabbit. They are also South Africa’s only burrowing rabbit species, as they give birth underground.” 

The sighting is a reminder of the power of collaboration in conservation, says the Cape Leopard Trust.  
 
“Landowners, conservation organisations and researchers all play an important role in sharing knowledge and monitoring wildlife, which connects conservation efforts across landscapes. 

“Sometimes, a single camera trap image can tell us something incredibly important – and this one is a reminder that there is still so much to discover.”  

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.