Rabbits

Rabbits don’t have a taxonomic group. Instead, rabbits refer to long eared mammals in the Leporidae family. There are 29 species of rabbits that are found in ten genera on all continents except Antartica. There are sylvilagus (cottontails), Pronolagus (rockhares), Nesolagus (striped rabbits), Bunolagus (riverine rabbit), Bunolagus (riverine rabbit), etc. Many rabbits live in woodlands, meadows, montanious areas, grasslands, and similar habitats, some prefer more specialized ecosystems, occupy urban areas, or live in one type of habitat.

Rabbits are most commonly known for their long ears and fluffly tails. They usually have reddish brown or gray fur. They are around 20 cm to 50 cm long and weigh around 0.4 kg to 7 kg. When the temperature drops lower, their fur gets darker and longer. Rabbits have strong hind legs that help them jump a farther distance. They have two pairs of sharp incisors that are adapted for gnawing and they will grow continuosly throughout their lives. They have four webbed toes on their hind legs that help them from spreading apart when jumping. Meanwhile, their front paws have five toes.

Rabbits have a diet primarily consisting of grasses and vegetables. These greeny leaves contain cellulose. Unlike humans, rabbits can digest cellulose because of their unique digestive tract. Rabbits mostly eat hay or fresh grass. They also eat lettuce, spinach, kale, etc. Their food portions depend on their weight, the heavier they are the more food they eat.

Most species of rabbits dig burrows, but for those that don’t, they make surface nests called forms. Most rabbits are solitary and territorial, they also sometimes have territorial disputes. During this, they’d use their front limbs to “box”. Rabbits are nocturnal and they are mostly silent. Though, they scream when frightened or caught by a predator. When in danger, they generally freeze and hide undercover. If chased by a predator their movements will become irregular and quicker (up to 80 km per hour).

Rabbits are prolific breeders, they can produce up to 7 seven kittens each year. They usually conceive four or five times a year. Rabbits are generally able to breed at a young age. Rabbits can induce ovulation. Rather than having a regular cycle, they release eggs from their ovaries in response to ovulation. After giving birth, they also immediately produce another egg cell. They usually have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years.