A GROUNDBREAKING discovery has been made in the remote reaches of Karaudarnau Village, nestled within the vast expanse of the Rupununi, as an unknown species of rabbit has been officially confirmed.
The South Rupununi Conservation Society (SRCS) announced this significant finding, marking a milestone in the scientific exploration of Guyana’s biodiversity.
The elusive rabbit species, identified as “Sylvilagus parentum,” was first encountered in the Deep South Rupununi region in March 2023. Initially documented in Suriname in 2017, it was believed to inhabit solely the lowlands of western Suriname. However, its genetic identification in Guyana extends its known range by over 290 kilometers, marking the first documented presence of wild rabbits in the country. This discovery prompts scientific inquiries into the interconnectedness and movement of mammalian species across the Guyana Shield.
SRCS extended congratulations to Karaudarnau Village for this momentous achievement, acknowledging the efforts of Toshao Apollos Isaacs, the Rabbit Rangers, Karaudarnau Village Council, and all residents involved in the project. While the village was aware of its wild rabbit population, the species remained undiscovered by science until recent genetic confirmation.
Several supporters and partners contributed to the success of this project, including the Field Museum, Dr. Matthew Hallett and the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit, and Indranee Roopsind and Dr. Burton Lim. Their collaboration facilitated the identification and documentation of the previously unknown rabbit species.
With the confirmation of the rabbits’ identity, project partners are committed to further research and collaboration with Karaudarnau Village to gather additional information about this newly recorded species. This data will enable the village to make informed decisions regarding the management of its rabbit population, ensuring the conservation and sustainability of this unique wildlife habitat.
The confirmation of an unknown rabbit species in Karaudarnau Village represents a significant scientific achievement and underscores the importance of collaborative conservation efforts in exploring and preserving Guyana’s rich biodiversity.
As research continues and partnerships strengthen, communities like Karaudarnau Village are empowered to make informed decisions that support the long-term health and sustainability of their natural environments. This discovery serves as a testament to the value of local knowledge and the potential for ongoing discovery in the uncharted territories of Guyana’s wilderness.
