Rabbit is a mammal belonging to the hare family. Now, rabbits bred not only for food and its fur, but also as a pet. How do rabbits live in nature and what do they eat there? Today we will talk about this.

Rabbits in the wild

Wild European rabbit in length 31-45 cm, bunny ears 6-7.5 cm, despite the fact that the skull is much smaller. Weight such a rabbit reaches 2.5 kg. Color it is grey-brown and a reddish color can be seen on its back. The sides of the rodents are light in color, stomach white, their tail is white, their ears are black and tail black. In rare cases, wild European rabbit can be found purely white color, light gray or even variegated. Places, where does this rabbit live?: Azov region, North Caucasus, Russia and in general, on all continents except Asia and Antarctica. Selects rabbit a place of residence with good soil so that you can easily dig a mink - quarries, ravines, coastal cliffs.

Types of wild rabbits

How many types of rabbits are there in total? wildlife? You will be surprised, but their number is not that great.

1. Wild rabbit (European)

2. Water bunny

3. Red rabbit

4. Idaho rabbit (pygmy)

5. Steppe rabbit

6. Nuttala rabbit

7. California rabbit

8. Tailless rabbit (teporingo or volcano)

9. Rabbit Flandre

10. Rabbit Risen

11. Gray Giant Rabbit

Most of the rest types of rabbits, have to be bred by breeders, but we will talk about these types of rabbits (domestic) in other articles.

INTERESTING FACTS AND NUTRITION OF THE WILD RABBIT

What do wild rabbits eat?

Wild rabbits feeding stems and leaves of plants, in vegetable gardens or in fields, they get themselves cabbage, carrots, lettuce and various other crops. During the cold season source of food is the bark of trees, branches of bushes and trees. Interestingly, in the absence of any source of food, they eat their own excrement in order not to die of hunger. Of course, in can be fed at home the same (except for excrement). Add into the diet you need hay, coniferous branches, dandelions, chicory, chamomile, yarrow, mouse peas, nettles, alfalfa, wheatgrass, chickweed. Can't feed parsley and dill, which contain essential oils. Rabbits They give both mineral stone and chalk. As for fruits and vegetables, you can give cucumbers, zucchini, all types of cabbage, apples, carrots, watermelon and melon rinds. With pleasure, rabbit nibble on white crackers. To grind teeth, give branches of willow, pear, apple, acacia, linden, and aspen. And for indigestion, a little oak or alder branches.

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VIDEO: WILD RABBIT

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL SEE WHAT WILD RABBITS LOOK LIKE IN NATURE

Order - Lagomorpha / Family - Lagomorpha / Genus - Rabbits

History of the study

Wild rabbit, or European rabbit (lat. Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species of rabbit native to southern Europe. The only species of rabbit that was domesticated and gave all the modern variety of breeds. Over the course of history, rabbits have been accidentally or deliberately introduced into many isolated ecosystems, including Australia, where they have upset the balance, often resulting in ecological disaster. The European rabbit was domesticated in Roman times, and rabbits are still raised today for both meat and fur and as pets.

Appearance

A small animal: body length 31-45 cm, body weight 1.3-2.5 kg. The length of the ears is less than the length of the head, 6-7.2 cm. The feet are pubescent, the claws are long and straight. The color of the upper body is usually brownish-gray, sometimes with a reddish tint. The tip of the tail is black or gray. On the back there is a noticeable dark brown streaking formed by the ends of the guard hairs. Black edges are visible at the ends of the ears; there are buffy spots on the neck behind the ears. Along the sides of the body there is a dull light stripe, ending in a wide spot in the hip area. Belly white or light gray. The tail is brown-black above, white below. Quite often (3-5%) there are individuals of aberrant coloring - black, light gray, white, piebald. Seasonal change There is practically no coloring. There are 44 chromosomes in the karyotype.

Rabbits shed 2 times a year. Spring molting begins in March. Females molt quickly, in about 1.5 months; In males, summer fur appears more slowly and traces of molting can be observed until summer. Autumn molt takes place in September-November.

Spreading

The rabbit's original range was limited to the Iberian Peninsula and isolated areas in southern France and northwestern Africa. However, thanks economic activity Since humans, the rabbit has settled on all continents except Asia and Antarctica. It is believed that rabbits came to the Mediterranean region with the Romans; Normans in the 12th century. brought them to England and Ireland. In the Middle Ages, the rabbit spread throughout almost all of Europe.

Currently, wild rabbits live in most regions of Western and Central Europe, Scandinavia, southern Ukraine (including Crimea), North Africa; acclimatized to South Africa. On islands mediterranean sea, Quiet and Atlantic Oceans(in particular on the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira Island, Hawaiian Islands) rabbits were released specifically so that they would reproduce and serve as a source of food for the crews of passing ships. The total number of islands where rabbits were introduced reaches 500; Thus, they live in a wild state on a number of islands of the Caspian Sea (Zhiloi, Nargen, Bullo, etc.), where they were brought in the 19th century. In the middle of the 18th century. rabbits were brought to Chile, from where they independently moved to Argentina. They came to Australia in 1859 and a few years later to New Zealand. In the 1950s rabbits from the San Juan Islands (Washington State) were released in the eastern United States.

Reproduction

Wild rabbits breed quite often - 2-6 times, each time the hare brings 2-12 rabbits. Pregnancy takes 28-33 days, i.e. the female brings 20-30 rabbits per year. At birth, the baby rabbits weigh only 40-50 g, are not covered in fur at all and are blind. Their eyes open only on the 10th day of life, and on the 25th day they can already feed on their own, although the female does not stop feeding them milk for the first four weeks. They reach sexual maturity at 5-6 months. The maximum lifespan of wild rabbits is 12-15 years, although most do not live past three years.

Lifestyle

The habitat of wild rabbits also varies significantly, they can live in almost all types of terrain (although they avoid dense forests), wild rabbits are absolutely not afraid of approaching settlements and can live even in mountainous regions (but do not rise above 600 m above sea level).

Daily activity wild rabbit depends on the degree of danger to which he is exposed - the safer he feels, the more active he is during the day. The habitat area that would be sufficient for a wild rabbit is limited to 0.5-20 hectares. Unlike other species of hares, they dig quite large and deep burrows (the largest of them can reach 45 m in length, 2-3 m in depth and have 4-8 exits). And another difference between the wild rabbit and other species is that they do not lead a solitary lifestyle, but live in families that consist of 8-10 individuals. There is a complex hierarchical structure throughout the life of wild rabbits.

Nutrition

When feeding, rabbits do not move more than 100 m from their burrows. In this regard, their diet is not selective, and the composition of feed is determined by its availability. In winter and summer, food differs. In summer they eat the green parts of herbaceous plants; in the fields and gardens they feed on lettuce, cabbage, various root vegetables and grain crops. In winter, in addition to dry grass, underground parts of plants are often dug up. A significant role in winter nutrition is played by shoots and bark of trees and shrubs. In situations of food shortage, they eat their own feces (coprophagia).

Number

There is no threat to a decrease in the population of wild rabbits; on the contrary, in many countries they are considered pests and are exterminated.

Wild rabbit and man

When they multiply en masse, they cause harm to forestry and agriculture.

They are hunted for fur and meat. The rabbit was domesticated more than 1000 years ago. The issue of breeding rabbits for industrial purposes is dealt with by the livestock industry - rabbit breeding. It is believed that rabbit breeding was first organized in French monasteries in 600-1000. n. e. Currently, rabbit breeding is an important sector of the world economy; About 66 breeds have been bred, mainly for meat and fur production. There are downy and decorative breeds, for example, the Angora rabbit, in which down makes up approximately 90% of all wool. Domesticated rabbits differ from wild ones in color, fur length and weight - they are capable of gaining up to 7 kg. Rabbits are widely used as laboratory animals on which new drugs and food products are tested; used for experiments in genetics. Rabbits can also be kept as pets.

In some areas, rabbits, in the absence of natural predators, cause great harm by eating vegetation, damaging crops and spoiling land with their burrows. Yes, on some islands Pacific Ocean the rabbits ate the vegetation, causing soil erosion and destruction of the coastal area where seabirds nested.

However, the greatest damage was caused by the spread of rabbits to Australia, where they were introduced in 1859 (Victoria). 24 brought rabbits bred, and by 1900 their number in Australia was already estimated at 20 million animals. Rabbits eat grass, providing food competition to sheep and cattle. They cause even greater damage to the native fauna and flora of Australia, eating relict vegetation and displacing local species that cannot compete with quickly breeding rabbits. Shooting and poisoned baits are used as measures to combat rabbits; In addition, European predators were brought to Australia - fox, ferret, ermine, weasel. In places in Australia, mesh fences are being installed to prevent rabbits from colonizing new areas. Most in a successful way The fight against these pests turned out to be the “bacteriological war” of the 1950s, when they tried to infect rabbits with an acute viral disease - myxomatosis, endemic to South America. The initial effect was very large, in many areas of Australia up to 90% of all rabbits became extinct. The surviving individuals have developed immunity. The rabbit problem is still acute in Australia and New Zealand.

Appearance

A small animal: body length 31-45 cm, body weight 1.3-2.5 kg. The length of the ears is less than the length of the head, 6-7.2 cm. The feet are pubescent, the claws are long and straight. The color of the upper body is usually brownish-gray, sometimes with a reddish tint. The tip of the tail is black or gray. On the back there is a noticeable dark brown streaking formed by the ends of the guard hairs. Black edges are visible at the ends of the ears; there are buffy spots on the neck behind the ears. Along the sides of the body there is a dull light stripe, ending in a wide spot in the hip area. The belly is white or light gray. The tail is brown-black above, white below. Quite often (3-5%) there are individuals of aberrant coloring - black, light gray, white, piebald. There is practically no seasonal color change. There are 44 chromosomes in a karyotype.

Rabbits shed 2 times a year. Spring molting begins in March. Females molt quickly, in about 1.5 months; In males, summer fur appears more slowly and traces of molting can be observed until summer. Autumn molt occurs in September-November.

Spreading

Initially, the range of the rabbit was limited to the Iberian Peninsula and isolated areas in the south of France and northwest Africa: it was here that these heat-loving animals survived after the last major ice age. However, thanks to human economic activity, the rabbit has settled on all continents, except for Asia and Antarctica. It is believed that rabbits came to the Mediterranean region with the Romans; Normans in the 12th century. brought them to England and Ireland. In the Middle Ages, the rabbit spread throughout almost all of Europe.

The determining factor for the optimal life of the species is the minimum number of days with snow cover per year (up to 37), as well as maximum amount winters without stable snow cover (on average no less than 79%). If the number of days with snow cover exceeds this indicator, the rabbit population acquires a pulsating character, i.e. in mild winters, in case of overpopulation, rabbits from more southern regions move to more northern ones, where they again die in more harsh winters. The maximum possible threshold is 102 days with snow cover.

At present, wild rabbits live in most areas of Western and Central Europe, in Scandinavia, in southern Ukraine, in the Crimea, in North Africa; acclimatized in South Africa. On the islands of the Mediterranean Sea, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans (in particular, the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira Island, Hawaiian Islands), rabbits were released specifically so that they would breed and serve as a source of food for the crews of passing ships. The total number of islands where rabbits were introduced reaches 500; thus, they live in a wild state on a number of islands in the Caspian Sea (Zhiloy, Nargen, Bullo, etc.), where they were brought in the 19th century. In the middle of the 18th century. rabbits were brought to Chile , from where they have already independently moved to the territory of Argentina . They came to Australia in the city and a few years later - to New Zealand. In the 1950s rabbits from the San Juan Islands (Washington State) were released in the eastern United States.

In Russia and CIS countries

Rabbits live in family groups of 8-10 adults. Groups have a rather complex hierarchical structure. The dominant male occupies the main burrow; the dominant female and her offspring live with him. Subordinate females live and raise offspring in separate burrows. The dominant male has an advantage during the breeding season. Most rabbits are polygamous, but some males are monogamous and stay in the territory of one specific female. Males jointly defend the colony from strangers. There is mutual assistance between the members of the colony; they notify each other of danger by striking the ground with their hind paws.

Nutrition

When feeding, rabbits do not move more than 100 m from their burrows. In this regard, their diet is not selective, and the composition of feed is determined by its availability. In winter and summer, food differs. In summer they eat the green parts of herbaceous plants; in the fields and gardens they feed on lettuce, cabbage, various root vegetables and grain crops. In winter, in addition to dry grass, underground parts of plants are often dug up. A significant role in winter nutrition is played by shoots and bark of trees and shrubs. They “ring” the trunks of cherries and acacias, and in case of hunger they gnaw on the bark walnuts, try to climb trees and bushes to a height of up to 1.5 m. In situations of food shortage, they also eat their own feces (coprophagia).

Reproduction

Rabbits are very fertile. The breeding season covers most of the year. During the year, female rabbits can give birth in some cases up to 2-4 times. So, in Southern Europe, a female rabbit brings 3-5 litters of 5-6 rabbits from March to October. In the northern parts of the range, breeding continues until June-July. Out of season, pregnant females are rare. Populations introduced into the Southern Hemisphere reproduce year-round under favorable conditions. In Australia there is a break in reproduction in mid-summer when the grass burns out.

Pregnancy lasts 28-33 days. The number of rabbits in a litter is 2-12, in wild conditions usually 4-7, on industrial farms 8-10. Postpartum estrus is characteristic, when females are ready to mate again within a few hours after giving birth. The average population increase per season is 20-30 rabbits per female cat. In northern populations with less favorable climatic conditions There are no more than 20 rabbits per female; in the Southern Hemisphere - up to 40 rabbits. The number of cubs in the litter also depends on the age of the female: in females younger than 10 months, the average number of rabbits is 4.2; in adults - 5.1; From the age of 3 years, fertility decreases markedly. Up to 60% of pregnancies are not carried to delivery, and the embryos spontaneously resolve.

Before giving birth, the rabbit arranges a nest inside the hole, combing out the underfur for him from the fur on her stomach. Rabbits, unlike hares, are born naked, blind and completely helpless; at birth they weigh 40-50 g. Their eyes open after 10 days; on the 25th day they already begin to lead an independent lifestyle, although the female continues to feed them milk until 4 weeks of life. They reach sexual maturity at the age of 5-6 months, so rabbits from early litters can already reproduce at the end of summer. However, in wild populations, young rabbits rarely begin breeding in their first year of life. In captivity, young female rabbits can bear offspring as early as 3 months. Despite the high reproduction rate, due to the mortality of young animals in the wild, the population profit is only 10-11.5 rabbits per female. In the first 3 weeks of life, about 40% of young animals die; in the first year - up to 90%. Mortality from coccidiosis is especially high during rainy times, when water floods burrows. Only a few rabbits survive past the age of 3 years. Maximum life expectancy is 12-15 years.

Number and significance for humans

The population size of wild rabbits is subject to significant changes, in some cases it can reach abnormal levels. high level. When they multiply en masse, they cause harm to forestry and agriculture.

They are hunted for fur and meat. The rabbit was domesticated more than 1000 years ago. The livestock industry deals with the issues of breeding rabbits for industrial purposes - rabbit breeding, food products; used for experiments in genetics. Rabbits can also be kept as pets.

Rabbits as pests

In some areas, rabbits, in the absence of natural predators, cause great harm by eating vegetation, damaging crops and spoiling land with their burrows. So, on some islands of the Pacific Ocean, rabbits ate vegetation, which caused soil erosion and destruction of the coastal zone where seabirds nested.

However, the greatest damage was caused by the spread of rabbits to Australia, where they were introduced in the 18th century. In 1859, settler Tom Austin, who lived in the state of Victoria, released 24 rabbits into the wild, they multiplied, and by 1900 their number in Australia was already estimated at 20 million. Rabbits eat grass, providing food competition to sheep and cattle. They cause even greater damage to the native fauna and flora of Australia, eating relict vegetation and displacing local species that cannot compete with quickly breeding rabbits. Shooting and poisoned baits are used as measures to combat rabbits; In addition, European predators were brought to Australia - fox, ferret, ermine, weasel. In places in Australia, mesh fences are being installed to prevent rabbits from colonizing new areas. The most successful way to combat these pests was the “bacteriological war” of the 1950s, when they tried to infect rabbits with an acute viral disease - myxomatosis, endemic to South America. The initial effect was very large, in many areas of Australia up to 90% of all rabbits became extinct. The surviving individuals developed immunity. The rabbit problem is still acute in Australia and

dungeon dwellers

Why does a rabbit breeder need knowledge about wild rabbits?

In this article I will tell you what kind of animal this is - a wild rabbit. I’ll make a reservation right away. Despite the fact that I classified it in the “this is interesting” section, you may find a lot of valuable and useful information for your studies. Judge for yourself how you can effectively breed and raise your long-eared pets without delving into their essence. After all, all instincts biological rhythms, the habits and characteristics of domestic rabbits come from their wild counterparts. I hope this article helps you understand your furry friends more.

Those of you who breed rabbits in pits or aviaries will find many similarities and similarities in the behavior of their own and wild European rabbits. At present, there is a fairly rich experience accumulated not only over the years, but over millennia. And with the advent of modern technology, watching wild rabbits has become much easier. Infrared light (the invisible part of the spectrum) makes it possible to monitor animals around the clock, and microscopic video cameras allow you to penetrate into all the nooks and crannies of rabbit holes, to observe their underground life.

Quick search:

Who are wild rabbits?

Here is the time to make a clarification. From the above diagram it can be seen that out of the entire genus of rabbits, only one species budded off - European rabbit or European wild rabbit. In fact, there are more than 20 of these species. Of these, most live in North America, with slightly fewer in Africa and South America. And only one species of rabbit comes from Europe - the so-called common rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). And it was he who was at one time domesticated and gave rise to all the currently existing domestic breeds of rabbits. Therefore, in the future we will only talk about him, only he can interest us in something. Other types of rabbits in many characteristics and habits are very different from our pets (some are covered with bristles, others do not dig holes and live in swamps and swim like beavers, others live on the slopes of volcanoes right up to the crater, etc.) and not may be the subject of our study.

The already domesticated rabbit in the form of bred breeds was then transported to all continents. In this regard, please do not confuse, for example, the wild American rabbit, an aborigine, with the Californian breed, bred from a European emigrant. As they say in Odessa, these are two big differences. And although our European rabbits can be crossed with any breed of wild rabbit, unlike the hare, these are two different biological species of rabbits.

Habitat of the European wild rabbit.

Paleontologists claim that rabbits migrated to Europe from Africa before the Ice Age. Then, thanks to the warm climate, they multiplied throughout the continent. The subsequent global cooling pushed them to the southern part of the Pyrenees, the territory of present-day Spain, where they were safely preserved. By the way, in the ancient Phoenician language “spany” means rabbit, and “Hispania” means the shore of rabbits. Currently, wild rabbits also live in places where people have artificially resettled them. This is primarily Australia and New Zealand (since the end of the 18th century). There, without meeting natural enemies and once in the grass paradise, the animals began to multiply so quickly that they endangered everything Agriculture continent. Their number now exceeds 6 billion heads.

GROW RICH Raising rabbits is possible only by providing them with favorable conditions for their existence. In this case, animals multiply exponentially. The increase in their numbers is explosive. When choosing a breed, be guided by nearby farms and breeds adapted to local conditions.

Metal mesh across the entire continent.

Foxes and other predators from Europe, imported in a hurry, set about not the rabbits, but the local inhabitants, who turned out to be both larger and slower. European predators quickly fell in love with kangaroo meat and the meat of local sheep. But the rabbits moved rapidly at a speed of 100 kilometers per season and, like locusts, destroyed all the greenery, including crops and vegetable gardens. The unfortunate Australians were already desperate and did not know what to do. And then someone came up with the great idea to block off the entire territory of the mainland with a steel mesh. Its length is several thousand kilometers. It worked, and greatly slowed down the migration of animals. But the threat, as they say, continues to hang in the air. In this regard, in some Australian states it is legally prohibited to raise rabbits. For violation there is a considerable fine - 40,000 USD.

In Europe itself, from the Pyrenees, rabbits were spread by the Romans to the territories subject to the empire at the beginning of the first millennium. Rabbits attracted people with their precocity and fertility. The taste of the meat also played an important role. Despite mass domestication, wild rabbits continue to live and thrive. In some years they also posed a threat, but this time to European crops. Settled throughout the western and central parts of the continent. They no longer tried to fight them by trapping and hunting. In the middle of the last century, the French declared bacteriological war on wild rabbits. Several individuals specially infected with myxomatosis were released into the wild. And if, for example, African red rabbits suffer from this disease in a mild form, then European rabbits mostly (up to 85%) die. The disease was transmitted from one individual to another, but gradually died out. And only in places humid climate, where there are mosquitoes, almost all rabbits have died out. In addition to mosquitoes, rabbit fleas can also transmit myxomatosis.

MYXOMATOSIS– a very dangerous disease, often spreads in the form of epidemics. Domestic rabbits are not immune to it. Mandatory vaccination is required. Fight mosquitoes, do not create excess dampness in your household.

It must be said that these experiments with myxomatosis hit our rabbit farms very hard. I have already mentioned, and experienced rabbit breeders will not allow me to bear false witness, that somewhere before the early 60s we did not have this infection. Maybe I’m not quite out of place, but I remember very well the first appearance of two misfortunes almost simultaneously - a massive death of rabbits and an invasion of Colorado beetles. Be that as it may, we survived these difficulties, learned to resist them, although without them it would have been much better.

More than once, from the end of the 19th century until the 80s of the last century, attempts were made to resettle wild rabbits in the territories Russian Empire and then Soviet Union. Predominantly, areas with warm climate, Ukraine, Moldova, Uzbekistan, as well as Lithuania. They have not taken root everywhere, mainly where the climate resembles the Mediterranean. Currently, a large colony is settled in the Crimean Azov region (Crimea Peninsula), Rostov region, Krasnodar and Stavropol territories as well as in the North Caucasus and the Caspian Islands.

Now the wild European rabbit can be found on all continents except Antarctica (after all, a rabbit is not a penguin, give it grass, and drilling holes in ice is not very comfortable). This includes northwest Africa (Morocco, Algeria) and South America(Chile), and North America(east coast of the USA, southern Canada) and the already mentioned Australia and Oceania. In addition, rabbits live well and breed on more than 500 islands of the Mediterranean Sea, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. They were landed there with the aim of creating colonies that would help feed long-distance sailors, including those in distress.

RABBIT MEAT very tasty and nutritious. It is perfectly absorbed, is rightfully considered dietary, and is recommended for many diseases.

External characteristics of a wild rabbit.

After reading the description of a wild rabbit, you will discover an obvious thing. Our ordinary mongrel rabbit fits perfectly under it. Judge for yourself: a small animal, similar in appearance to a hare. Body length is from 30 to 45 centimeters. Weight depends on size and fatness, but on average 2.5 kg. The color is uneven. From dusty gray to dark brown above, and even with red, which prevails on the neck and behind the ears. The belly, like the underside of the tail, is usually much lighter, sometimes closer to white. On the sides there is a faintly visible light stripe, which turns into a rounded spot on the upper part of the thigh. The tip of the tail and ears is slightly darker, brown or dark gray. During the year, a change in color, like a hare, is not observed. There are two molts, as expected, spring and autumn. Single individuals, as a result of mutations (gene changes), may have a different color from the typical one. So among the brown ones there will also be albinos with white skin, black ones, light gray ones and even piebald ones (spotted). But there are always not many such rabbits, their total number does not exceed 3-5%.

DOMESTIC RABBIT with thoughtless crossing and lack of selection, they gradually degenerate, become smaller, and become similar to their wild ancestors. If you notice a decrease in the size of the offspring, a reddish color in your rabbits (the gray giant doesn’t count), it’s time to think about it and conduct at least an introductory crossing.

Wild rabbit dwellings.

You probably already know that wild rabbits, unlike hares, make their homes and nests in burrows. For their habitat, they choose predominantly open areas with difficult terrain (ravines, gullies, steep banks, abandoned quarries). They can also live in landfills. The density of the soil is of great importance. It is easier and more convenient for them to dig holes in sandy soil. They are almost never found in rabbit colonies where the soil is rocky or clayey. From the point of view of food, they also strive for places where succulent herbs grow. Interestingly, wild rabbits are not afraid to settle near people, in parks and forest belts. Life forced rabbits to hide away from their offenders - predators (who are countless) deeper into the ground and spend most of their lives there. Babies are also born exclusively underground. We can say that rabbits (mostly females) dig their holes throughout their lives. The simplest dwelling is a nesting box with three independent exits to the surface. However, having settled down, the animals continue to improve their home and dig, dig, dig... The length of rabbit holes is about 20 meters, but sometimes it is twice as long. They go to a depth of 2 meters or more. As a result, a whole network of labyrinths and nesting chambers connected by passages is formed underground. This promotes animal safety. In addition, there is always an emergency main entrance, which is a funnel or hole measuring no more than 40-50 cm, which almost immediately narrows to a diameter of 15 cm. Once the colony has settled in the territory, it does not leave it for a long time. The reason could be either natural disasters, or the disappearance of vegetation. Often, researchers discover a plot of land with an area of ​​up to 1 hectare dug up with burrows.

DOMESTIC RABBIT - shy animals. They do not like strong noise or strong odors. It's better not to bother them unnecessarily. I recommend equipping the cages with additional screens (even temporary ones) for the rabbit to hide behind. This will have a beneficial effect on his well-being and development.

Animal nutrition.

Rabbits can come to the surface both during the day and at night. If predators are rampant in their habitat, they feed mainly at night; if the danger has passed, they can frolic in the sun, and even move a hundred meters away from the hole in search of more lush greenery. They do not make any reserves for the winter; they feed on dry wood, underground parts of vegetation, and fallen grains. They do not disdain branch food. In summer they eat leaves, in winter they eat the bark of trees and shrubs. By the way, the rabbits that came to the Australian continent fell in love with the local twig food. that they have learned to climb trees, or rather low-growing branches.

DOMESTIC RABBIT leads a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle. It feeds mainly at night. Feeders should not be allowed to remain empty at night. Coprophagia is also typical for this time of day. The main foods for rabbits are grass, hay, twig food, grain and root vegetables. When preparing your diet, take into account the caloric value of the feed. (Modern food in the form of granules contains all the necessary components.)

Habits of rabbits.

24-hour observation helped scientists fully monitor the habits and life events of wild rabbits. For this, night vision devices were used. It turned out that the animals live in families according to strict rules. Each family has from 8 to 10 heads of adult individuals, both males and females. But the main (dominant) male is the only one, he chooses a female and the best nest to live in. It proves its superiority through strength in single combats with other males. After this, it consolidates its dominant status and marks everything: territory, defeated males, its females. Marks with a special odorous secretion. Can afford to visit other neighboring nests and have fun with neighbors. Of course everything is in the pasture best plots with his grass and his beloved passion.

IF YOU NOTICE It is normal for the rabbit to jump around the cage and splash liquid around. This means he is healthy and active. Limit the load on the male during mating. There should be no more than 2 coatings per day.

When the leader dies, all-out fights begin, which can last for several days until a new leader finally establishes himself. If any rabbit senses danger, it notifies everyone else by knocking on the ground with its strong hind legs. When a threat arises, males defend their territory from enemies together. In order to once again do not attract predators, rabbits lead a silent lifestyle. Only in times of danger or fight do they emit a piercing cry, reminiscent of a squeak. Those who have watched domestic rabbits fight know what I'm talking about.

DO NOT HOLD two adult males in one cage. You cannot keep a male and a female in the same cage all the time. It is not advisable to keep two females in one cage. Young animals must be seated before they reach sexual maturity, preferably before 3 months of age. The rabbit has quite strong hind legs. Be careful of shock when picking up the rabbit.

Reproduction.

Nature arranged it so that rabbits could survive in a dense environment of enemies. We have already said that rabbits are saved by deep, long burrows, nocturnal lifestyle, camouflage color, silent existence, and exceptional agility. But their fertility and early maturity are very important. During the year, a female rabbit can bear offspring from 2 to 5 times. It depends on the climate and latitude of habitat. More often (almost all year round), births occur in regions with a warm climate and an abundance of food. For example, in the summer in Australia, when all the grass burns out, litters do not occur. In southern Europe, breeding lasts from March to October, and in Scandinavia mainly only in the summer months.

FOR QUICK BREEDING Rabbits need an optimal temperature regime, reminiscent of a Mediterranean climate. In cold winters, insulate the cages and queen cells, use electric heating. In the heat, create artificial shade, ensure an uninterrupted supply of water (auto-drinkers), and arrange ventilation.

The gestation period (about 30 days) and the number of rabbits born (from 2 to 12) are the same as for domestic rabbits. IN mating games begin within a few hours after birth. Before giving birth, the female carefully prepares the nest (up to 30 cm in diameter) and lines it with plucked down. The cubs are born naked and blind, but grow quickly. Around the 10th day, the eyes begin to open.

By the age of one month they can graze independently, crawling up. Around the same time, the female abandons them and begins building a new nest. On the one hand, such haste plays a positive role; on the other, young individuals often die. The mortality rate of young animals can reach 40 - 50%. Sometimes only 10% of individuals survive to a year. The reason here is not only in predators, but also in viral scourges such as coccidiosis. There are also great losses from flooding of burrows during rainy seasons. It does not always help that the entrances to the burrows are located on hills in dry places.

COCCIDIOSIS- a dangerous disease of rabbits that causes their death. It is carried by flies and reproduces in droppings and sewage. Control flies by regularly cleaning cages and around them.

Here are more examples of how nature uses its resources economically. During dry periods, a pregnant rabbit may not give birth at all. She “feels” that the offspring will not survive anyway and stops feeding the embryos in the womb. There they die and, as experts say, the pregnancy resolves. At the same time, all nutrients are absorbed by the mother and she herself avoids starvation. Pregnancy can thus disappear even after 20 days of gestation. In hot weather, younger and stronger female rabbits generally give birth. Unlike domestic rabbits, their wild counterparts almost do not engage in mating in the first year of life. They conserve their strength, although sexual maturity occurs by 5-6 months.

NOT ALWAYS a failed birth may be the result of listeriosis, a disease of the female. If possible, do not plan to give birth during very hot periods. Constantly use succulent feed and an uninterrupted supply of water.

What and who prevents a wild rabbit from living to old age?

The average life expectancy of rabbits in the wild does not exceed 3 years, although some rare specimens live up to 8 or even 10 years. The reason for this is not always favorable natural conditions, diseases, civil strife, and an abundance of natural enemies. Predators who are not averse to profiting from rabbit meat are known to everyone. These include those running on the ground (foxes, martens, ferrets, weasels, rats, stray dogs and cats) and those flying (hawks, eagle owls, owls and even crows and magpies).

ESPECIALLY PROTECTIONLESS little rabbits. They can be dragged away or mauled by rats. Ferrets and weasels are dangerous even for adults. Install fine mesh nets, make cages and queen cells from hardwood. Fight against rats and other predators.

Moreover, in countries Western Europe Hunting for wild rabbits is very popular, including using ferrets:

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Inherent character traits, distinguishing them from other lagomorphs.

Regardless of the species or group, these animals are endowed with special characteristics, their own signs.

Only a complete lack of experience, observation and knowledge in the field of fur farming does not allow us to say which animal has settled in the enclosure. Short-term care and communication will immediately fill the gaps and provide an opportunity to figure things out.

Memorable appearance or special anatomical structure of the body

The body of the hare is more elongated and large in size with a seasonally changing color depending on the time of year.

In summer the coat is dark or with variegated streaks, in winter it becomes lighter or bleached.

The rabbit looks more modest and does not dye its fur coat.

The weight of adult individuals depends on the species (there are miniature pygmies that do not reach 400 g), generally fluctuating between 2-3 kg.

You should pay attention to the length of the limbs. Hare's feet muscular, strong, formed under the influence of the instinct of self-preservation. The limbs are adapted for fast running across fields, ravines, and high jumps. The rabbit does not need sharp turns.

For its habitat, gentle, short, neat legs are enough to move calmly and evenly. But the large soft pads and powerful claws are adapted for digging deep underground passages. They move along the surface only on their toes, relying on all points at once (5 on the front paw and 4 on the back paw).

You don't need long, high bunny ears either.

Their locating abilities are designed for delicate, thin, medium-sized ears.

They look proportionate on the head with uniformly smooth shapes of the nose and shortened antennae.

The fur is thick, intensely colored, soft to the touch, without harshness.

She molts twice a year. The predominant colors are gray and yellow-brown with a uniform undercoat.

Do not change for summer or winter. Scientists engaged in detailed study find differences in the structure internal organs. For example:

• The position of the epiglottis above the palate opens the way to nasal breathing.
• Intestinal digestion, the process of which takes place with great participation of the cecum.
• The muscles of the tract are designed in such a way that there is a clear distinction between solid fibrous residues and easily digestible substances.
• The structure of the skull and the unequal development of individual bones.
• The teeth (incisors) are arranged in 2 rows.
• The width of the lumbar vertebrae is several percent greater.
• Muscle contraction occurs almost similarly to hares, with the exception of the frequency of the heartbeat.

Each trait is manifested to a certain extent depending on. The difference between lagomorphs is clearly visible in their lifestyle.

Habits and character

The intensified struggle for survival in the surrounding world has left a deep imprint on the animals. Exist calmly in natural conditions They succeed only thanks to high vigilance and precaution. Constant vigilance to calculate the threat forces you to constantly be on the alert, survey the open area. A hole serves as a reliable fortress and shelter from enemies.

Digging shelters for (European common) is as important as foraging.

They build entire underground “cottages” with a system of passages and can spend all their free time there from eating and walking outside.

Maternity wards and primary nurseries for offspring are set up here.

The litter of female rabbits is numerous (from 3 to 10 pieces), so special niches are equipped for it, lined with soft dry grass, leaves and down of the mother. Rabbits are born helpless, blind and naked; they need to be warmed, wrapped and protected from pests.

The protective barrier is the marks that the female leaves at the entrance. An excessively long absence of the mother from the cubs is not allowed.

During the first weeks, little mole rats suck milk. It is significant that only the mother can feed babies. Identification of a blood relative occurs by smell. They also give reinforcements to any hungry stranger of their own breed. Once in the vicinity of a cub in need of help, they will fulfill their duty to nature.

From the moment of birth, rabbits are endowed with relative independence. House in a small hole under open air requires caution and the possibility of additional warming. They immediately have a fur coat, open eyes, a developed sense of smell and the ability to run away from danger. The hare does not risk being left without food; he can be reinforced by any female running past, and this gives a great chance of survival, even if the mother has moved far away or died.

New additions to families appear more often (3-4 times a year), and not only in the spring, like their relatives.

Thanks to their fertility, populations remain numerous even during periods of mortality due to epidemics and excess predator activity.

Rabbits live collectively, uniting in groups, they can be easily tamed and domesticated, raised in cages, hares are individual, form pairs for the mating season, and do not survive in captivity.

Behind the similarities that seem at first glance, there are many differences.

Where do rabbit families live and how do they choose their terrain?

Any representative of the fauna cares about living conditions as seriously as about supplies food base. Rabbits choose habitats based on their habits and expediency. They usually settle in areas with difficult terrain. Suitable for the construction of burrow complexes:

• Hills.
• Steep banks of large rivers and seas.
• Beams with dense young growth and abandoned sand pits.
• Some species live on the slopes of volcanoes.
• There are lovers of wetlands with tussocks.
• The only species of American rabbits does not dig tunnels, but lives in open fields, making holes, like hares.
• The North Caucasian group can use dense thickets for housing.

In mountainous terrain it is easier to lay and expand holes and living chambers. But the soil must be pliable, not rocky or clayey. The entrances are quite wide (up to 25 cm in diameter) covered with canopies made of earth. At a distance of 80-90 cm, the tunnel narrows slightly. The optimal height of “rooms” is up to half a meter, sometimes less or more. To prevent the vaults from collapsing, builders calculate the location under the roots of trees and shrubs.

Family clans own a space of several hectares, depending on the richness of the grass cover. They do not move too far away from the minks and if the food runs out and is not restored, they move to new housing. Families are polygamous, but there are also monogamous males.

The correct choice of location affects the well-being, numbers, course and completion of life.

What does the diet consist of and how to solve the problem of vitamin deficiency

The main menu of rabbits is the ground part of herbaceous shoots and young shrubs. In summer they feed on greens. They go into vegetable fields. They feast on cabbage, beets, carrots, and respect lettuce leaves. Sometimes they sneak into the orchards and covet apples. In autumn, they look for hot spots on grain crops.

In winter, the diet changes. If dry grass cannot be obtained from under the snow, the tips of the lower branches of cherry, apple, and willow trees are used. The lack of moisture and nutrients is compensated by eating morning droppings. Such caecotrophs are similar to storage chambers for concentrated vitamins.

Useful waste is covered by a mucous capsule. They contain many enzymes important for digestion, cell growth, and metabolism. They are of particular importance for young animals during puberty and pregnancy.

In times of food shortages, they eat tree bark to save their lives and try to climb higher to get juicier pieces. Because of such habits, rodents are considered pests of agricultural crops.

Health and the course of life depend on feeding. In nature, it lasts up to 3 years, although the potential is for 10-12 years. Nutrition is directly related to the number of animals per square meter, resulting in a vicious circle.

They are trying to regulate the number of individuals different ways. They hunt, trap, and with the accelerated growth of the rabbit population, they use a bacteriological attack, individually spreading diseases.

What climate do eared animals like?

Are there rabbits everywhere?

Naturally, there are no food sources in the Antarctic ice, and it is impossible to dig holes in the permafrost, which means that such animals cannot be found there.

Among the known 20 species of wild rabbits studied, only one lives in Europe, and it was from this species that domestic representatives bred.

The rest are mainly settled in America, Africa, and Australia.

Wild ones, whose prevalence has increased several times over the last century, have settled in those parts of the continents where warm, mild climatic conditions prevail.

The primary range was limited to African northwestern part, south of France, Iberia. The glacier did not stay in these regions, and food remained.

The main requirement for the success of expanding the territory of existence is the height and consistency of snow cover throughout the winter. The less snow on the ground and the days of its continuous lying, the greater the percentage of survival of furry settlers. The borderline snow threshold is considered to be a period of 3.5 months with relatively mild weather.

The Romans and Norman conquerors introduced fur-bearing animals to the Mediterranean, Ireland and the British Isles. In the Middle Ages, they populated almost the entire European space, which pleased citizens with low and middle incomes, becoming useful prey for them.