The Identity of the Unknown Species of Rabbit in Karaudarnau Village in the Rupununi, Guyana, has been confirmed, according to a Statement from the South Rupununi District Council
We are delighted to share the news that the scientifically undocumented species of rabbit found in the Deep South Rupununi in Guyana has been confirmed as “Sylvilagus parentum”.
This species of rabbit was first described in Suriname in 2017 and was previously thought to only exist in the lowlands of Western Suriname. The genetic identification of the species in Guyana now extends the range of this rabbit species by over 290km and is the first genetic documentation of wild rabbits in Guyana.
It also raises scientific questions on the connectedness and movement of mammals across the Guyana Shield
With the identity of the rabbits now confirmed, the project partners will continue to work with Karaudarnau Village to collect more information on this newly recorded species in Guyana. Using this information, Karaudarnau Village will then be able to make more informed decisions on how to manage their rabbit population.
A big congratulations to Karaudarnau Village on this incredible accomplishment! In particular, thank you to Toshao Apollos Isaacs, the rabbit rangers, Karaudarnau Village Council and all of the residents of Karaudarnau Village for undertaking this project and achieving such success.
Thank you also to the Field Museum for supporting and partnering on this project. In addition, thank you to Dr. Matthew Hallett and the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit for partnering on this project. Finally, thank you to Indranee Roopsind and Dr. Burton Lim for their support with the project, the statement said.