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| Striped Rabbit discovered in early June |
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| A Indian muntjac found in May |
The rabbit was discovered by Sao La Nature Reserve officials during a routine patrol for forest maintenance and monitoring of biodiversity.
Dr. Pham Trong Anh from the Vertebrate Zoology Department of Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology said, "The Annamite striped rabbit or Nesolagus timminsi is one of only two species of striped rabbits."
According to Dr Dang Tat The, even though most species of rabbits are known for their high rate of reproduction and fast growth rate, the small number of these rabbits seem to be disbursed around a particularly large area. This, he said, is the reason they are on the verge of extinction.
"The lack of research titles for this type of rabbit and for other kinds of endangered species too is threatening the animal conservation works." The said.
This new discovery also posed new challenges for the conservation activities.
Sao La Nature Reserve is located in the Truong Son Mountains, an area rich in biodiversity.
They discovered and rescued a number of endangered species registered both by Vietnam and IUCN Red Book including the saola, also known as the Asian unicorn, and the red-shanked douc, one of the most colourful species of primates known to exist.
(Dtinews)