Dietary Diversity of the Amami Rabbit Endemic to Insular Evergreen Forests.

The Amami rabbit (<i>Pentalagus furnessi</i>), endemic to the Amami-Oshima and Tokunoshima Islands, is an endangered species that faces habitat disturbance. This study used fecal DNA metabarcoding to analyze the dietary preferences of Amami rabbits. Fecal samples from six rabbits were collected and analyzed for plant DNA. The results revealed the presence of 85 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) representing different plant species, with individual rabbits consuming 17-38 plant species. The dietary composition varied significantly among individuals, with a notable preference for ferns in some cases. Diet diversity, assessed using Simpson's Diversity Index, ranged from 0.328 to 0.889. This study highlights the importance of a diverse plant diet for Amami rabbits and underscores the need for habitat preservation to ensure a stable food supply. Conservation efforts must focus on maintaining a unique subtropical moist forest ecosystem and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts to promote sustainable coexistence.