The Amami Rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) or Amami no Kuro Usagi, also known as the Ryukyu Rabbit, is a primitive dark-furred rabbit. Often called a living fossil, the Amami Rabbit is a living remnant of ancient rabbits that once lived on the Asian mainland, where they died out, remaining only on the 2 small islands where they survive today.
This rabbit has short legs, a somewhat bulky body, rather large and curved claws which it uses to dig out its nest holes. Its ears are also significantly smaller than those of other rabbits or hares.
Little is known about the social or breeding habits of this endangered nocturnal rabbit. However, Amami rabbits are noted for making calling noises, which sound similar to a pika; this makes them unique as most rabbits do not make calling noises.
Island residents introduced the mongoose to these islands in an attempt to control the population of poisonous snakes. This intervention has backfired as the mongoose prefers to diet on the Amami rabbit, threatening the very survival of this enigmatic creature.
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This rabbit has short legs, a somewhat bulky body, rather large and curved claws which it uses to dig out its nest holes. Its ears are also significantly smaller than those of other rabbits or hares.
Little is known about the social or breeding habits of this endangered nocturnal rabbit. However, Amami rabbits are noted for making calling noises, which sound similar to a pika; this makes them unique as most rabbits do not make calling noises.
Island residents introduced the mongoose to these islands in an attempt to control the population of poisonous snakes. This intervention has backfired as the mongoose prefers to diet on the Amami rabbit, threatening the very survival of this enigmatic creature.
Read more:
