Mammal · GBIF taxon 2436940
European Rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculusAlso known as Coney, Common Rabbit, Wild Rabbit
European rabbits shape entire ecosystems through extensive burrowing networks called warrens and intensive grazing of ground vegetation. Highly social and crepuscular, colonies establish strict social hierarchies while keeping constant watch for predators using keen eyesight and acute hearing. Females dig specialized short burrows called stops to nurse their altricial young, lining the nest with belly fur.
CrepuscularBurrowingSocial
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXEndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasses
- Clover
- Tree Bark
Predators
- Red Fox
- Iberian Lynx
- Eurasian Eagle-Owl
ThreatsMyxomatosis, rabbit haemorrhagic disease, habitat loss, predation
HabitatsGrasslands, scrublands, open woodlands, dunes, pastures
Life span3–9 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLagomorpha
- FamilyLeporidae
- GenusOryctolagus
- SpeciesOryctolagus cuniculus
Native Introduced
Native range in olive; established introduced range in rust.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for compact grey-brown bodies, short reddish patches on the nape, and dark-tipped ears.
- Support conservation
- Observe from a distance and avoid entering designated rabbit restoration zones or active warren areas.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Watch quiet warrens near twilight from downwind to observe natural feeding and social interactions.
- Distance: Maintain a respectful distance to avoid triggering alarm thumping and causing the colony to retreat underground.
- Habitat Protection: Avoid disturbing burrow entrances or walking directly over soft warren soil.
Predator (c) Frank Vassen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Juan lacruz, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Jean-Jacques Boujot from Paris, France / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
Distant Relative (c) Andrew Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Andrew Murray · cc-by
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