Rabbits House

Rabbits are fast-moving, big-eared mammals. There are about 25 different species of Rabbits. They live in a variety of environments, including deserts, swamps, marshes, forests, grasslands, and prairies. Rabbits are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world. There are seven different genera in the family classified as Rabbits, including the European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Cottontail Rabbits (genus Sylvilagus; 13 species), and the Amami Rabbits (Pentalagus furnessi, endangered species on Amami Ōshima, Japan). There are many other species of Rabbits, and these, along with pikas and hares, make up the order Lagomorpha.

Most Rabbits live for about a year in the wild. They are hunted by dogs, foxes, raccoons, weasels, bobcats, lynxes, hawks, and eagles. They have a fast reproductive rate.

Anatomy: Rabbits range in size from 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm) long. They have very big and powerful hind legs which they use for hopping and for digging burrows.

Diet: Rabbits are herbivores (plant-eaters). They eat grass, leaves, bark, and twigs.

Classification: Kingdom Animalia (animals), Phylum Chordata (having a notochord), Class Mammalia (mammals), order Lagomorpha (Rabbits, hares, and pikas), Family Leporidae (Rabbits and hares), many Genera.

Rabbits are raised world-wide for a variety of reasons. In Europe and Asia they are an important source of food. Rabbits produce white meat that is fine-grained, high in protein, low in fat, highly palatable, low in cholesterol, and that can be substituted for poultry in most recipes. Rabbits carcasses are only 20 percent bone. In the United States Rabbits are raised predominantly for nonfood purposes. High quality Rabbits skins are used in fur garments and trimmings. Medical and cosmetic research also requires a large number of Rabbits each year. Many people raise Rabbits for show or as pets.