Rabbits

Abstract

The small, cat-sized animals of order Lagomorpha are among the most common mammals found throughout the world. They differentiated in the mid-Eocene Age, developing into at least 150 species. The domestic rabbit, a descendant of Oryctolagus cuniculus, was introduced by man into New Zealand and Australia, where it rapidly became the most prevalent wild mammal. Rabbits have claws on their toes, sharp incisors and grinding molars, and jaws with mainly lateral motion. They are totally herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, stems, bark, and other vegetable matter. Rabbits and hares have long ears and acute hearing, enabling them to hear danger approaching. They have long hindlegs that enable them to leap and run to escape danger (e.g., carnivores, birds of prey). In the wild, they use their droppings, “peas,” to mark their territory. Females reach maturity at 6 months or earlier and may bear two litters of 6–8 per year. Rabbits are used by man as sources of fur and food and as pets. They are also specially bred for research purposes.