Leporidae
Lagomorphs
Mammals
30 days
6 approx.
It is a generalist herbivore that feeds on a varied diet that includes grasses, leaves, shoots, tree bark, and roots.
Up to 9 years
The European rabbit is the ancestor of all domestic rabbits, of which there are around 80 different varieties. Domesticated rabbits vary greatly in size, coat type, coloration, and overall appearance. Unlike hares, rabbits have smaller ears and shorter, less powerful legs.
Rabbits are gregarious and territorial animals. If soil conditions and food availability allow, they prefer to live in large groups and complex burrow systems. A typical colony consists of six to ten adults of both sexes. Colonies exhibit well-defined dominance hierarchies, especially important for males, as their position determines which male will have preferential access to females. They are known for their reproductive capacity, as they can breed year-round, although most reproductive activity is concentrated in the first half of the year. Gestation lasts approximately 30 days, and the average litter size is five or six kits. Females experience postpartum estrus and can therefore have several litters each year, although miscarriages and embryo reabsorption are common (possibly due to environmental or social stress). One reason for the reproductive success of rabbits is induced ovulation, in which eggs are released only after mating. The young are born hairless, blind, and helpless. The mother visits the nest for only a few minutes a day to nurse them, but the milk is extremely rich in nutrients. The young are weaned at four weeks old, reach sexual maturity at around eight months, and can live up to nine years. However, the mortality rate during the first year of life typically exceeds 90%.
Rabbits are generally nocturnal, spending the day underground and foraging from dusk till dawn. Although usually quiet, rabbits can emit loud squeaks when frightened or injured. They communicate with each other through scent and touch, and thump their hind feet to warn of danger.
In terms of global survival, the European rabbit is a prime example of biological success, ranking far from endangered species lists. Not only is it valuable to humans as a domestic and game animal, but wild populations have also successfully established themselves in many parts of the world. However, a rabbit variety found on islands in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean may be at risk.
They are not rodents; they belong to the order Lagomorpha. They differ from rodents by having an additional pair of upper incisors.
Their teeth and nails never stop growing, so they need to wear them down by chewing fiber, hay, or wood.
Their eyes are located on the sides of their heads, giving them almost 360º vision. They only have a small blind spot right in front of their nose, but they compensate for this with a hypersensitive sense of smell.
They practice cecotrophy: they produce special feces called cecotropes (softer) which they re-ingest directly. This is vital for their health, as it allows them to extract nutrients and vitamins that they were unable to absorb during the first digestion.
