Observations on Burrow Use and Reproduction in the Annamite Striped Rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi) in Vietnam

The Annamite striped rabbit (Nesolagus timminsi) is a forest-dwelling lagomorph endemic to the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos. Herein, we report the first detailed observations of its burrowing and reproductive behavior from information gathered via camera traps. From May to October 2024, six camera traps were deployed at suspected burrow sites identified through semi-structured interviews and field surveys. The active burrows were recorded at multiple sites within broadleaf wet evergreen forests between 359 m and 775 m asl. The camera traps were active for 864 camera trap nights, recording 1293 videos of the species. The videos showed first observations of the Annamite striped rabbit performing a sequence of burrow opening, closing and concealment, including placing compacted soil and small rocks over the entrance. Furthermore, a single behavioral event lasting 190 min was recorded and interpreted as being suggestive of parturition. Forty-six days after this event, the female was recorded leaving the burrow accompanied by two juveniles. These findings represent the first documentation of such behavior in the species. Our results provide new behavioral information on this little known and endangered animal.