First description of an immature Sumatran striped rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri), with special reference to the wildlife trade in South Sumatra

Abstract

Abstract The Sumatran striped rabbit (Nesolagus netscheri Schlegel, 1880) is the least known lagomorph in the world. This paper describes the first record of a young N. netscheri that was offered for sale (the size is approximately 52–56% of the adult), together with an adult, by a social media group in February 2018. The rabbits were reportedly obtained from the Dempo mountain, South Sumatra. Compared to previous descriptions of N. netscheri, the Dempo mountain specimens have longer ears (47–52 mm vs. 34–50 mm), shorter tails (9–15 mm vs. 17 mm) and shorter hindfeet (60–65 mm vs. 67–87 mm). The threats to N. netscheri are revisited and discussed.