CR

Bunolagus monticularis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Riverine Rabbit faces severe habitat destruction from agricultural conversion of its specialized riparian scrubland habitat along seasonal rivers in the Karoo. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the dense riverine vegetation essential for shelter and food, while cultivation has eliminated critical habitat patches. Predation by domestic dogs and cats poses additional pressure on the remaining small, fragmented populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Riverine Rabbit occupies dense riparian scrubland along seasonal rivers in the central and southern Karoo region of South Africa. It requires thick vegetation cover provided by riverine bushes and shrubs for shelter and foraging, particularly favoring areas with Lycium species and other indigenous riparian plants.

Shrubland· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorDesert· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationFormal educationAwareness & communications

Other threatened species in LEPORIDAE

Sylvilagus mansuetusCR

Sylvilagus mansuetus

Declining
Pentalagus furnessiEN

Pentalagus furnessi

Declining
Nesolagus timminsiEN

Nesolagus timminsi

Declining
Lepus hainanusEN

Lepus hainanus

Declining

Threatened in South Africa

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
EN

Black-Spotted Blue

Orachrysops mijburghi

Unknown
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

Wager's Bush Squeaker

Arthroleptis wageri

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Bunolagus monticularis classified as Critically Endangered?
Bunolagus monticularis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Riverine Rabbit faces severe habitat destruction from agricultural conversion of its specialized riparian scrubland habitat along seasonal rivers in the Karoo. Overgrazing by livestock has degraded the dense riverine vegetation essential for shelter and food, while cultivation has eliminated critical habitat patches. Predation by domestic dogs and cats poses additional pressure on the remaining small, fragmented populations.
Where does Bunolagus monticularis live?
Bunolagus monticularis occurs in South Africa. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Bunolagus monticularis?
The main threats to Bunolagus monticularis are 1.1, 11.1, 2.1, and 2.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.