Animal Profiles
Mammals

Rabbit

Leporidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Rabbits are small herbivorous members of the rabbit and hare family. Their long hind limbs and sensitive ears help them respond to predators.

A European rabbit resting on grass.

European rabbit, one representative of the family Leporidae.

Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Many terrestrial habitats, depending on species; some populations have been introduced beyond their native range.
Habitat
Grassland, Temperate forest
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Grasses and other vegetation, including shoots, bark and seasonal plant foods.

Classification

Common name
Rabbit
Browse group
Mammals
Scientific name or taxon
Leporidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Lagomorpha
Family
Leporidae
Source classification
Mammalia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Rabbits and hares share the family Leporidae.
  • Only some rabbit species dig their own burrows.
  • Re-ingesting soft droppings recovers additional nutrients.

Habitat and range

Many terrestrial habitats, depending on species; some populations have been introduced beyond their native range.

Appearance and adaptations

Long ears, a short tail and strong hind limbs are common features. Continually growing incisors cut plant food.

Diet and behaviour

Some rabbits dig extensive burrows, while others use different shelters. Re-ingesting specialised soft droppings helps recover nutrients from plant food.

More photos

A domestic rabbit lying on a green lawn.

Roland zh · CC BY-SA

Sources

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