News Animals

A rare rabbit plays an important ecological role by spreading seeds

Understanding seed dispersal can reveal how plants thrive and also respond to climate change

An Amami rabbit sitting on the ground.

The elusive Amami rabbit (one shown) looks similar to ancient rabbits and is found only on two of Japan’s Ryukyu Islands.

The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images

By Darren Incorvaia

A crucial link in the life cycle of one parasitic plant may be found in a surprising place — the bellies of the descendants of an ancient line of rabbits.

Given their propensity for nibbling on gardens and darting across suburban lawns, it can be easy to forget that rabbits are wild animals.