Class: Mammalia Order: Lagomorpha Family: Leporidae Genus: Oryctolagus Species: cuniculus
The European rabbit is a small mammal native to the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France. It is the sole species in the genus Oryctolagus and the ancestor of all domestic rabbit breeds. Domestication began in Roman times, and today rabbits are kept worldwide as pets and livestock. European rabbits are known for their burrowing behavior, social structure, and adaptability, which has led to their introduction on every continent except Antarctica and Asia. While they are valued for meat, fur, and companionship, they are also considered an invasive species in many regions due to their rapid reproduction and environmental impact.
Rabbits prefer habitats with soft, sandy soil for burrowing, such as grasslands, scrublands, and open woodlands. They often live near human settlements in parks, gardens, and agricultural areas. Their burrows, called warrens, provide shelter and breeding sites. Rabbits are highly adaptable and can survive in temperate and tropical regions, avoiding extremely wet or alpine environments.
Rabbits are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses, herbs, and leafy plants. They also consume bark, twigs, and agricultural crops when available. A unique feature of their digestion is coprophagy—re-ingesting soft fecal pellets to extract additional nutrients. This adaptation allows them to thrive on low-quality forage.
Help Feed Our RabbitsRabbits are highly social and live in groups called colonies, herds, or fluffles. They construct elaborate burrow systems known as warrens, which can include multiple entrances, tunnels, and chambers for nesting and resting. These warrens provide protection from predators and harsh weather. Rabbits even use scent marking and communal latrines to maintain social order within the colony.
Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their lives—up to 3–5 mm per week. This adaptation ensures they can handle a diet of tough, fibrous plants without wearing their teeth down completely. If rabbits don’t have enough hay or chewable material, their teeth can overgrow, causing painful dental problems. This is why chewing is not just a habit but a survival mechanism.
Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head, giving them nearly 360-degree vision. This panoramic view helps detect predators from almost any direction. Rabbits have a small blind spot directly in front of their nose and behind their head, but their ability to see above and behind without turning their head is a key survival trait.
European rabbits are famous for their reproductive capacity. Females (does) can become pregnant again within hours of giving birth. They reach sexual maturity at about 3–4 months and can produce up to 30 offspring per year under ideal conditions. This rapid reproduction is why rabbits are considered invasive in many regions—they can quickly overwhelm ecosystems.
