Rabbit

Rabbit facts at a glance

What is a group of rabbits called?

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Built to escape

Rabbits are prey animals built to detect and flee danger. Their eyes sit high on the sides of the head, giving nearly 360-degree vision to spot predators, and their long, powerful hind legs let them run in fast zigzags. A hard thump of the back foot warns other rabbits of danger.

Diet and digestion

Rabbits are herbivores whose diet should be mostly hay and grass, with leafy greens and a little fresh food. They have a specialized digestive system and re-ingest soft droppings called cecotropes to extract every bit of nutrition. Their teeth grow continuously and are worn down by chewing fibrous food.

Behavior and communication

Rabbits are social animals that, in the wild, live in underground burrow systems called warrens. They communicate through body language: a relaxed rabbit may flop on its side, while a happy one performs a twisting leap known as a binky. Pet rabbits bond closely with each other and with people.

Conservation

Domestic rabbits are kept worldwide and are not at risk, but the wild European rabbit they descend from is now listed as Endangered in its native southwestern Europe due to disease and habitat loss. As a keystone prey species, its decline affects predators such as the Iberian lynx.

Did you know? Rabbit facts

• The rabbit is a small, fast-breeding mammal kept worldwide as a popular pet and found in the wild across grasslands and woodlands.
• With good care, pet rabbits typically live 8 to 12 years. Wild rabbits live much shorter lives, usually only 1 to 2 years, because of predators and disease.
• A rabbit's diet should be about 80% grass hay, plus leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Hay keeps their continuously growing teeth worn down and their digestive system healthy.
• Rabbits thump a hind foot on the ground as an alarm signal to warn other rabbits of danger. They may also thump when annoyed, frightened, or trying to get attention.
• Yes. Rabbits can breed from a few months old, carry a litter for about a month, and have several litters a year, which is why the phrase 'breed like rabbits' exists. Responsible owners spay and neuter pet rabbits.
• Conservation: Domesticated.

Diet & feeding

Rabbit feeds primarily as a herbivore. Rabbits are prey animals built to detect and flee danger. Their eyes sit high on the sides of the head, giving nearly 360-degree vision to spot predators, and their long, powerful hind legs let them run in fast zigzags. A hard thump of the back foot warns other rabbits of danger.

Adaptations

• Rabbits are prey animals built to detect and flee danger. Their eyes sit high on the sides of the head, giving nearly 360-degree vision to spot predators, and their long, powerful hind legs let them run in fast zigzags. A hard thump of the back foot warns other rabbits of danger.
• Rabbits are herbivores whose diet should be mostly hay and grass, with leafy greens and a little fresh food. They have a specialized digestive system and re-ingest soft droppings called cecotropes to extract every bit of nutrition. Their teeth grow continuously and are worn down by chewing fibrous food.

Behaviour & ecology

• Rabbits are prey animals built to detect and flee danger. Their eyes sit high on the sides of the head, giving nearly 360-degree vision to spot predators, and their long, powerful hind legs let them run in fast zigzags. A hard thump of the back foot warns other rabbits of danger.
• Rabbits are herbivores whose diet should be mostly hay and grass, with leafy greens and a little fresh food. They have a specialized digestive system and re-ingest soft droppings called cecotropes to extract every bit of nutrition. Their teeth grow continuously and are worn down by chewing fibrous food.
• Rabbits are social animals that, in the wild, live in underground burrow systems called warrens. They communicate through body language: a relaxed rabbit may flop on its side, while a happy one performs a twisting leap known as a binky. Pet rabbits bond closely with each other and with people.

Communication

• Rabbit uses scent, posture, and vocal signals to mark territory and coordinate social behaviour.
• Communication intensity often peaks during breeding seasons and territorial disputes.

Habitat & range

Grassland and woodland; domestic worldwide

Ecological role

Rabbit shapes vegetation through grazing or browsing and serves as prey for larger predators where ranges overlap.

Conservation status of the Rabbit

Sources & references

This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Rabbit:

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

  Conservation status (Domesticated) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Oryctolagus cuniculus.

• IUCN Red List — Oryctolagus cuniculus.

  Conservation status (Domesticated) and population trends.

• Animal Diversity Web — Oryctolagus cuniculus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

  Life history, morphology, and range.

• Wikipedia — Rabbit.

  General taxonomy and overview (cross-check primary sources).

• Global Animal Guide editorial standards

  How we research, source, review, and update every guide for accuracy.