World’s Rarest Rabbit Fortunately Rescued After Appearing Online In A Post
Image via Fauna & Flora International
After a Sumatran striped rabbit, a rare endangered species, was seen on a Facebook post, authorities from Kerinci Seblat National Park in Indonesia immediately set out to rescue it.
As per CNET, the officials worked with non-profit organization Fauna & Flora International (FFI) to locate and retrieve the incredibly rare bunny.
This species of rabbit is considered to be the world’s rarest, with scientists’ understanding of the Sumatran striped rabbit coming from a handful of camera trap images and a dozen or so specimens in Dutch museums collection nearly a century ago.
FFI said the rabbit was captured opportunistically by a local farmer, who encountered the creature in the national park. It was slightly injured by a recent flash flood, but has now been safely released back into the forest at a chosen site. Rescuers hope scientists will be able to learn more about this elusive species.
“I hope the samples taken and other data collected will be useful to Indonesian scientists in building knowledge of this little-known animal. This rescue and release was only possible due to the strong collaboration between the national park and other stakeholders,” said Tamen Sitorus in the FFI statement.
Thankfully, the bunny seems to be pleased about its rescue and subsequently release back into the wild.
“We let it go and it looked around—and then started eating leaves. It seem very relaxed,” reported Herizal, a community ranger and a member of the release team.
[via CNET, cover image via Fauna & Flora International]
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