The Riverine Rabbit is indigenous to the semi-arid Great Karoo and parts of the Klein Karoo. The Karoo has more than 5000 species of succulent plants; has the richest vegetation in the world; and is one of 25 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots.

Unfortunately the Riverine Rabbit has become critically endangered because its riverine habitat is in grave danger. The extinction of the Riverine Rabbit is a sign that good crop cultivation, good grazing for other animals and continual replenishment of underground water is at great risk.

Conserving the Riverine Rabbit means preserving the riverine habitats - facilitating infiltration and ground water storage rather than the runoff of rain water on eroded riverbanks.

If you want to save the Riverine Rabbit ... give us a sign.

Dear supporter,

You probably can't testify to knowing exactly what nature's language is, but you could most likely interpret the signs. When you think about the rabbit, signs from nature have showed that they breed like ... well, rabbits.

The Riverine Rabbit, on the other hand, breeds only 1 to 2 young a year - is one of the rarest mammals in the world. And although you might not see much of this species because it's nocturnal, the main reason is that there are only 250 adults left in the world. The Riverine Rabbit is endemic to South Africa and lives in the Karoo - where it poses as the flagship species and key indicator for the river ecosystem of the area. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) established the Riverine Rabbit Working Group (RRWG) to improve ecosystem and socio-economic conditions that can support a stable population of Riverine Rabbits along the seasonal river courses of the Karoo regions.

As such, the RRWG shows signs of making a difference by educating and encouraging awareness for the environment; evaluating, managing and rehabilitating the riverine habitat; introducing conservation programs; and monitoring the population of the Riverine Rabbit. We're committed to conserving this rare creature and we just need a sign from you that you will support us,

The riverine habitat in which this mammal resides, are high in moisture and nutrient content, which is good for cultivation and grazing. Due to this fact they are also of economic importance to landowners. The habitats are essential as a home for the Riverine Rabbit because they provide good grazing long after other grazing areas have been depleted by drought or the dry season. A good sign - because of the alluvial soils of this riverine area serve as perfect crop cultivation areas in the sparcely covered, rocky Karoo plains.

Let's make a difference for the Riverine Rabbit and conserve them as we conserve their habitat. Please donate online at www.ewt.org.za

Will you give us the thumbs up for the Riverine Rabbit?

Yours sincerely,

Yolan Friedmann
CEO: ENDANGERED WILDLIFE TRUST

PS: First fifty to donate R300 or more will receive a cuddly mother or baby Riverine Rabbit toy!

PPS: Please visit www.ewt.org.za for more information or call us on (011) 486 1102. To keep up to date on the developments with these and other groundbreaking projects at the EWT, subscribe to our regular electronic newsletter on http://www.ewt.org.za/news_subscribe.aspx

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