By Sheetal Kumari | May 09, 2025
For over a century, the Omiltemi cottontail rabbit was lost to science, unseen since its last recorded sighting 120 years ago.
(Image: @julietsmith1473/X)
Local hunters in Mexico’s Sierra Madre del Sur insisted the rabbit still roamed the forests, sparking curiosity among scientists.
(Image: @MRoberts77725/X)
Ecologist José Alberto Almazán-Catalán partnered with Re:wild to launch a five-year search for the elusive species.
(Representative Image: Canva)
The team used camera traps in remote forests, hoping to capture evidence of the rabbit’s survival.
(Representative Image: Canva)
After years of uncertainty, they finally succeeded—camera footage confirmed the long-lost rabbit was still alive.
(Image: Joe Figel)
Scientists now aim to study its role in the ecosystem, including seed dispersal and its place in the food chain.
(Representative Image: Canva)
However, habitat destruction and deforestation threaten the species, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.
(Representative Image: Canva)
Re:wild’s Christina Briggs stressed the need for research to ensure the species is never lost to science again.
(Representative Image: Canva)
The rediscovery highlights global conservation successes, like India’s pygmy pig reintroduction and Tristan da Cunha’s bird rescue.
(Representative Image: Canva)
The Omiltemi cottontail’s return proves that lost species can still be found, inspiring hope for future wildlife discoveries.
(Representative Image: Canva)