Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: European rabbit
Latin Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus

Class: Mammals
Order:    Lagomorpha

Description
Reaching as long as 18 inches, the European rabbit has gray/brown fur, long ears and powerful hind legs.

Range
Throughout most of Europe and Australia, and in parts of New Zealand, Chile and Hawaii, locales where the European rabbit is considered an exotic pest.

Status
Thriving

Habitat
Dry, open areas with brush

Niche
The European rabbit traditionally inhabited desolate regions, but as human encroachment has increased, they have adapted to live alongside us. Rabbits populate parks and cemeteries, and thrive in regions adapted for agriculture.

Life History
Rabbits are known for their reproductive capabilities. Litters of five or six kittens are delivered after a 30-day gestation.

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Special Adaptations

  • Four sharp incisors (two on top of the mouth, two on the bottom) grow continuously throughout its life.
  • Rabbits move with quick hops, employing long toes and feet padded with fur to dampen the shock of landing.
  • Not only great jumpers, European rabbits can also burrow beneath fences erected to contain them.
  • Male rabbits can be aggressive and territorial. They use their strong back legs to kick rivals.