Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) — species profile (taxonomy, origin, lifespan, husbandry basics)
Authoritative first-hand species account (Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan). All bullet facts are verbatim from the cited source and C1-substring verified.
Natural History & Origin
- The last Ice Age confined the species to the Iberian peninsula and
- Home range size varies with population density and food abundance, but is usually
- has been highly successful in most places where it has been introduced, and it is
Habitat
- The preferred habitats of this species include dry areas near sea level with soft,
- sandy soil (for easy burrowing).
- but forests are also inhabited.
Size
- no longer the case due to modern plowing techniques which destroy rabbit burrows.
- has learned to coexist with humans in cities, making its home in parks and cemeteries
- weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kg, and are from 38 to 50 cm long.
Lifespan
- Domestic rabbits can live to be up to nine years old.
- supply permit, they prefer to live in groups in large, complex burrow systems (warrens).
Behavior & Social Structure
- due to environmental or social stresses).
- European rabbits are gregarious, territorial animals.
- A typical colony consists of six to ten adults of both sexes.
Reproduction
- Rabbits are well-known for their reproductive capacity.
- is capable of reproducing year-round, but most breeding activity takes place in the
- Gestation is about 30 days, and the average litter contains
Diet
- is a generalized herbivore, eating a diverse diet of grasses, leaves, buds, tree
- Gardeners know them to eat lettuce, cabbage, root vegetables, and
- Although the diet is relatively low in nutritional value, and high in indigestible