|
Size
Head-body
length: 34-50 cm Weight: 1200-2500g
Physical
Appearance
Rabbits are
smaller and less gangly than hares, and have
shorter ears. The tips of the ears are brown, and the upper
surface of the tail is dark brown. The characteristic white
flash on the underside of the tail can be seen when the
animal is fleeing.
The body fur is brown/grey.
Distribution
Rabbits are
widespread in western Europe, including the
Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily and the British
Isles.
Habitat
They live on
heathland, open meadow, grassland, woodland,
the fringes of agricultural land and dry sandy soil, including
sand dunes, but they avoid coniferous forests.
Diet
Rabbits eat
the leaves of a wide range of vegetation including agricultural crops,
cereals, young trees and cabbages.
In winter, they eat grasses, bulbs and bark. They re-ingest their
faeces for nutritional benefit.
Social
organisation and behaviour
Rabbits have a
burrow system known as a warren, and tunnels
can be 1-2m long. The nest at the end of the tunnel is lined with
grass, moss and belly fur. They use regular trails, which they
scent mark with faecal pellets.
Reproduction
Mating occurs
throughout the year with most litters born
between February and August. Litters range in size between 3
and 12, after a gestation period of 28-33 days, and the kittens
are weaned after 28 days.
Conservation/status
Rabbit
populations are increasing, as they are becoming immune
to the myxomatosis virus. Rabbits become sexually mature after
just four months and breed rapidly, so they can readily replace
themselves. In many areas, they are considered to be a pest.
|
