Why is the riverine rabbit critically endangered?

The riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis) is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature primarily due to the widespread destruction of its habitat.1

Endemic to the Karoo region of South Africa, this mammal relies on dense vegetation found along seasonal rivers. As these areas are degraded or lost, the population has dwindled to possibly fewer than 250 breeding pairs worldwide. Protecting these fragile ecosystems is an ethical imperative to prevent the extinction of this unique species.1