Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

The rabbit, scientifically known as Oryctolagus cuniculus, is a small mammal belonging to the family Leporidae. Native to the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and western North Africa, this highly adaptable species has been introduced to various parts of the world, becoming a common sight in grasslands, forests, and even urban environments. Rabbits are recognizable by their long ears, which can measure up to 10 centimeters, helping them detect predators with acute hearing.

Typically weighing between 1 to 2.5 kilograms, their compact bodies are covered in soft fur, usually in shades of brown, grey, or white. They possess long hind legs that are well-suited for rapid hopping, which serves as their primary mode of locomotion and a means to escape danger. Social creatures by nature, rabbits often live in large, complex burrow systems known as warrens. They are herbivorous, feeding primarily on grass, leaves, and other vegetation, with a remarkable digestive system that extracts maximum nutrients from fibrous plant material.

Rabbits are known for their reproductive prowess, capable of producing multiple litters of offspring each year, which has earned them the reputation for rapid population growth. As prey animals, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem, supporting a variety of predators. Unfortunately, the European rabbit is also considered a pest in some areas due to its impact on agriculture and natural vegetation. Despite these challenges, rabbits remain beloved for their gentle demeanor and are often kept as pets worldwide.