Scientists urge recognition of new Iberian rabbit species facing extinction

An international team of 12 researchers has published a study proposing that what is currently classified as one rabbit subspecies in Portugal and western Spain, Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus, be formally recognised as a distinct species, the Iberian rabbit (Oryctolagus algirus). Genetic and physical evidence shows it diverged from the other Iberian lineage nearly two million years ago and rarely interbreeds with it. While the other lineage remains stable or growing, the Iberian rabbit is in sharp decline and would likely qualify as Endangered, prompting calls for adjusted hunting quotas and restrictions on moving animals across the two lineages' contact zone.