| Range: |
Europe (native range); wild form introduced to Africa, Australia, New Zealand, South America; domesticated forms found worldwide |
| Habitat: |
Various habitats, including woodlands, rocky deserts, fields, gardens |
| Conservation Status: |
Common |
| Scientific Name: |
Oryctolagus cuniculus |
Rabbits are among the most popular house pets, prized for their docile nature as well as their beauty. The 80 or so different breeds of domestic rabbits come in all shapes, colors and sizes. But they are all originally descended from the wild European rabbit, which now lives on all continents except Asia and Antarctica. Human activities have been responsible for the rabbit’s spread to many new parts of the globe. Once the animals became established, they tended to adapt extremely well, to the point where they’re considered an agricultural pest in some areas. Rabbits are well known for their ability to breed. A female can have five to six litters per year, with five to six young (called kittens) per litter.
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