Scientific classification: Rabbits and hares belong to the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha. Cottontails are classified in the genus Sylvilagus.
Where can Rabbits be found?
Rabbits and Hares are common name for certain small, furry mammals with long ears and short tails. Although the name rabbit and hare are often used interchangeably, in zoological classification the species called rabbits are characterized by the helplessness of their offspring, all about rabbits which are born naked and with closed eyes, and by their gregarious habit of living in colonies in underground burrows.
What do you know about domestic Rabbits?
The domesticated rabbit has extremely diverse characteristics, varying in color through every grade, shade, and mixture, from pure white to all black; in coat from very short to long, silky hair capable of being woven; and in style of ears from the prick ear erect, small and almost as stiff as metal to the floppy, broad, soft-skinned lopped ear, which hangs to the ground. All about rabbits, Domestic rabbits warn one another of danger by thumping on the ground with their hind feet. They are bred as pets, for genetic studies, for laboratory experimentation, and for their meat and furs; domestic rabbits’ furs are sold under the trade names of arctic seal, clipped seal, and lapin. At least 66 varieties of the domesticated rabbit are derived from a wild rabbit native to Europe and Africa. Some varieties are Angora, Belgian, Dutch, Himalayan, lop, Siberian, Patagonian, silver-tip, Polish, and Flemish.
Where in the world can Rabbits be found?
Rabbits have been introduced to South America, Java, Australia, New Zealand, and various oceanic islands around the world. A significant instance of the rapid distribution of rabbits can be found in the present abundance of rabbits in Australia and New Zealand. In New Zealand, seven rabbits were first turned out near Invercargill, apparently about 1860. They soon spread to both countries and multiplied so rapidly that rabbit control became a serious problem. In Australia a virus deadly only to true rabbits was developed, and in 1951 decimation of the rabbit population began through the artificial promotion of this virus infection, known as myxomatosis. All about rabbits, The project met with success only in areas with sufficient water to serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which transmit the virus. However, the disease spread to Europe, killing rabbits in Britain, Belgium, and France, where the animal serves useful purposes.
Rabbits as pets
Rabbits are often kept as pets. Pet rabbits are inquisitive, social animals that often form strong bonds with humans as well as with other domestic animals such as guinea pigs, cats, and sometimes birds and dogs.
Pet rabbits may be housed in an outdoor cage or fenced enclosure, but providing an outdoor rabbit with sufficient companionship, All about rabbits space to run and jump, and protection from predators can be difficult. As a result, many experts recommend keeping rabbits indoors as house pets.