Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Quick answer
The rabbit is a small, fast-breeding mammal kept worldwide as a popular pet and found in the wild across grasslands and woodlands. Domestic rabbits descend from the wild European rabbit, have nearly 360-degree vision, and can live 8 to 12 years with good care. They communicate through body language such as thumping and joyful leaps called binkies.
Rabbit facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Oryctolagus cuniculus |
|---|---|
| Diet | Herbivore |
| Habitat | Grassland and woodland; domestic worldwide |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years (pet); 1–2 years (wild) |
| Weight | 1–2.5 kg (2–5.5 lb) |
| Top speed | Up to 56 km/h (35 mph) |
| Conservation status | Domesticated |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Lagomorpha |
| Family | Leporidae |
| Genus | Oryctolagus |
Where it lives
The wild European rabbit is native to southwestern Europe; domestic rabbits are kept worldwide.
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.
Frequently asked questions about the Rabbit
How long do pet rabbits live?
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.
What should rabbits eat?
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.
Why do rabbits thump their feet?
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.
Do rabbits really breed quickly?
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.
Are wild rabbits endangered?
The wild European rabbit, the ancestor of pet rabbits, is now listed as Endangered in its native range due to viral diseases and habitat loss, even though domestic and introduced rabbits are abundant elsewhere.
