- The Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi), also known as the Ryukyu rabbit, is a primitive and rare lagomorph found only on two small islands in Japan: Amami Ōshima and Tokunoshima in the Ryukyu archipelago.
- This unique rabbit species is considered a living fossil, having evolved in isolation for millions of years. It is characterized by its dark brown fur, short ears, small eyes, and sturdy legs adapted for digging. Unlike most rabbits, the Amami rabbit has shorter hind legs relative to its forelimbs, giving it a more primitive appearance. Adults typically weigh between 2.5 to 3 kilograms and measure about 43-54 centimeters in length.
- The species is nocturnal, spending daylight hours resting in underground burrows that it digs in the soil among tree roots. At night, it emerges to feed on over 29 different plant species, including ferns, grasses, and other vegetation found in the subtropical broadleaf forests of its habitat. The Amami rabbit’s distinctive features include long, curved claws used for digging and thick, bristle-like fur that helps protect it while moving through dense undergrowth.
- Breeding occurs year-round, though peaks during March to May. Females typically give birth to one or two young per litter, with the unusually small litter size being another primitive characteristic of the species. The young are born in underground nests lined with grasses and fur, and they develop more slowly compared to other rabbit species.
- The Amami rabbit faces significant threats to its survival. Its population has declined dramatically due to habitat destruction, predation by introduced species such as feral cats and dogs, and development activities on its native islands. Currently listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List, the species is protected under Japanese law, and conservation efforts are ongoing to preserve its remaining habitat and control invasive predators.
- As one of the most evolutionarily distinct and threatened rabbit species in the world, the Amami rabbit serves as an important flagship species for conservation efforts in the Ryukyu Islands. Its presence is also considered an indicator of the health of the subtropical forest ecosystem where it lives, making its preservation crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the region.
