Nov 21, 2025

Rabbit species you may not have heard of

Aanya Mehta

Amami Rabbit

A rare “living fossil” found only on two Japanese islands, Amami Ōshima and Tokunoshima. It has short ears, dark fur, and a primitive appearance.

Source: unsplash

Annamite Striped Rabbit

Discovered as recently as 2000 in Vietnam and Laos. Known for bold white and dark stripes, it’s one of the newest rabbit species identified.

Source: wikipedia

Hispid Hare

A shaggy furred rabbit native to Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Once believed extinct, it lives in tall grasslands and is incredibly elusive.

Source: unsplash

Ili Pika

A tiny, teddy bear like species found only in the Tianshan Mountains of China. Discovered in 1983, it is extremely rare and critically endangered.

Source: unsplash

Omilteme Cottontail

A Mexican species so rare it was unseen for over 100 years until rediscovered in 1998. Lives only in cloud forests of the Sierra Madre del Sur.

Source: unsplash

Riverine Rabbit

A critically endangered South African species with long ears and a distinctive black facial stripe. Fewer than 500 remain in the wild.

Source: unsplash

Sumatran Striped Rabbit

Recognisable by its tiger like stripes, this rabbit is found in Indonesia’s rainforests. It’s one of the least studied rabbit species on Earth.

Source: wikipedia

Volcano Rabbit

One of the smallest rabbits in the world, found on volcanic slopes near Mexico City. Known locally as the “teporingo,” it communicates with high-pitched calls.

Source: unsplash

8 mountaineers to know about if you are an adventure lover