Rabbit

Status: Domestic

The Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) came from the European Rabbit. The origins of rabbit domestication is unknown, but skeletal changes between pet and domestic rabbits didn’t appear until the 18th century.  There are now more than 300 domestic breeds with variations in size, color, coat length, and texture. Rabbits are Lagomorphs, not rodents, but they do share several similar features such as an excellent sense of smell, vision, and hearing. The large eyes on the side of their head provide nearly 360° vision, allowing them to detect predators in all directions. Also similar to rodents, rabbit’s teeth grow throughout their life; constant gnawing helps keep them trimmed. They have long hind legs and use their feet to drum alarm signals. They use their long ears to pick up sounds and for heat dissipation in hot weather. Rabbits are herbivores.