A small mammal native to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France but has spread widely due to human activities. It is now found in various parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas. European rabbits have been introduced to these regions for various reasons, such as their use as pets, for food, and for their fur. Their ability to adapt to different environments, from forests and grasslands to urban areas, has contributed to their widespread presence.
As herbivores, European rabbits primarily eat plants. Their diet consists of grasses, herbs, and leafy plants. During the winter months, when these foods are less available, they may also consume bark, roots, and twigs. A unique aspect of their digestion involves producing two types of droppings: hard pellets and soft cecotropes. They eat the cecotropes to digest their food a second time, which allows them to extract more nutrients and stay healthy.
These rabbits are social animals that live in groups called colonies. They often create large, complex burrow systems known as warrens, which provide shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions. These warrens have multiple entrances and tunnels, offering a secure home for the rabbits. Within the colony, there is a social hierarchy, with dominant individuals having better access to food and mates. This structure helps maintain order and reduce conflicts within the group.
The European rabbit plays a significant role in its environment. Their grazing habits can shape the vegetation of an area, influencing the types of plants that grow there. Their burrowing activities help aerate the soil, which can benefit plant growth. However, in areas where they have been introduced, rabbits can sometimes cause problems by overgrazing and damaging native plants. This can lead to soil erosion and other environmental issues.
Distribution
Albania
Algeria
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Chile
Croatia
Czechia
Denmark
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Morocco
Namibia
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
