1 Introduction
Rabbits have long fascinated humanity with their remarkable breeding abilities, diverse
species, and unique adaptations. From ancient civilizations to modern times, these small
mammals have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. This assignment
takes us on a journey into the intricate realm of rabbits, exploring their evolutionary
history, biological complexities, and ecological importance.
My examination begins with the domestication of rabbits, a practice dating back to the
Roman Empire and possibly earlier. Their astonishing reproductive capabilities have
earned them the nickname of creative breeders, yet their evolutionary journey spans
millions of years, as evidenced by ancient fossil discoveries.
Taxonomically, rabbits occupy a distinctive place within the animal kingdom, belonging
to the order Lagomorpha and the family Leporidae. We unravel the intricacies of their
scientific classification, from common pet bunnies to elusive species like the Sumatran
striped rabbit.
Behaviourally, rabbits showcase a diverse range of traits, from their characteristic
hopping locomotion to their nuanced feeding habits. We delve into their dietary
preferences, exploring the delicate balance between foraging for sustenance and avoiding
predators. Additionally, we shed light on cecotrophy, a vital yet often misunderstood
aspect of their digestive physiology.
Feeding rabbits is not simply about sustenance but a nuanced understanding of their
nutritional needs at different life stages. From nurturing newborn kits to providing for
mature adults, we uncover the intricacies of rabbit nutrition and the significance of a
balanced diet.
Reproduction, offspring, and lifespan offer further insights into the remarkable life cycle
of rabbits. From the vulnerability of newborn kits to the graceful aging of senior rabbits,
we witness the continuum of life in these captivating creatures.
Lastly, we address the complex dynamics of rabbit populations, both in the wild and in
human-dominated environments. Despite their widespread presence, rabbits navigate a
delicate balance between adaptation and anthropogenic pressures, presenting challenges
for conservationists and ecologists.
Join us as we unravel the mysteries of rabbits, from their humble beginnings to their
enduring legacy in the natural world.
2 Rabbits
Rabbits have been domesticated since Roman times, and possibly even from before
that.
Rabbits really do breed like rabbits. The female is ready to breed almost any time, and
she’ll have a litter of babies about 30 days after breeding. These bipedal herbivores eat a
diet of mostly green foods, but they are also opportunistic feeders that will eat seeds,
fruit, and bark. They live in large groups in underground tunnels called warrens with
anything from a few to dozens of roommates.
3 Scientific Name
The scientific name for these animals depends on what kind of rabbit is being discussed.
In general, they belong to the order Lagomorpha and the family Leporidae, while
the hare does not. Within that genus are dozens of rabbit names that include the scientific
name for the rabbit as a part of the classification.
4 Taxonomy
The taxonomy list includes rabbits such as Oryctolagus cuniculus, the scientific name
covering all pet rabbits. In this name, the word Oryctolagus represents the genus name
and cuniculus is the species. Some of the other rabbits covered in the taxonomy here
include the genus Nesolagus, which covers the Sumatran striped rabbit, Nesolagus
netscheri, and the Annamite striped rabbit, Nesolagus timminsi.
It also covers the genus Pentalagus, which includes the Amami rabbit, and Pentalagus
furnessi, plus the genus Poelagus, which includes the Central African Rabbit, the
Poelagus marjorita. There are many others since we’re talking about more than 300
breeds, but these are a few of the major ones covered by the various classification
listings.
5 Evolution
The oldest known fossil of a primitive rabbit was dated as 55 million years old. The
ancestor is named Gomphos elkema. Based on a study of it, scientists believe some early
lagomorphs (the group that includes hares and rabbits) moved like rabbits, having hind
legs that were longer than their front legs. These hind legs could be used to hop.
These early rodents had longer tails, molar teeth, and primitive jaws. In general, rabbits
are distinguished from other modern rodents because they have two sets of incisor teeth,
one set behind the other. Rabbits were originally grouped with rodents under the class
Glires, but have since been separated because many of their similarities are believed to be
the result of convergent evolution. Recent DNA analysis and the discovery of a common
ancestor have supported the view that they share.
The rabbit’s appearance is an animal that sits on its large hind legs and has shorter front
legs. The animal also has large ears that vary in size based on the type. The hare looks
similar to the rabbit but is not the same. These ears are used to radiate heat into the air
when the animal has been running or is otherwise excited or when it lives in the
wilderness and needs to use its ears to maintain its comfort. They can also be turned to
listen to sounds to determine where a predator might be coming from or to make sure that
an area is safe.
These animals come in a variety of sizes. Pygmy rabbits grow to only eight inches long
and weigh in at less than a pound, even when fully grown. Chinchillas are at the other
end of the scale, weighing in at about 16 pounds. Most Flemish giants stop at about 22
pounds, but one rabbit, also a Flemish giant, beat all the rest by weighing in at 49 pounds
and stretching 4 feet, 3 inches long.
6 Behaviour
Rabbit behavior includes using its shape to escape from danger when it needs to. This
sometimes means that the animal needs to sit still and sometimes it needs to run.
Whatever they choose is also likely to change as the rabbit is hunted, though this depends
on what the animal needs at the time.
Rabbits hop by bounds, moving quickly over terrain when they need to escape from
predators. They can also freeze in place when they need to. This sometimes results in a
failure of the chase, letting the animal go free for another day. It all depends on the
situation at the time.
When rabbits eat, they will often graze heavily for the first half an hour or so, then
switch to eating their own poop pellets as they are excreted. They need to do this to get
the benefit of their food as they eat. Eating partially-digested poop is an important way
they accomplish this. They will often take the food from their anuses and chew it again to
get the benefit of it. These animals cannot vomit, so if they eat too much of the wrong
thing, they can end up dying from it.
7 Diet/feeding habits
A rabbit will eat all kinds of soft, grassy foods, including grass, leafy weeds, and forbs.
They will also eat fruit, bark, and many other kinds of food that grow in the woods and
meadows where they live. They will digest what they can of the food and will then poop
out the hard bits in poop that are not eaten. The soft bits are typically pooped out and then
eaten again before being done with.
The rabbit digests a lot of its food in the cecum, which takes joins the large intestine to
take up about 40% of its digestive tract. The cecum is even bigger than the stomach. The
cecum helps to separate the good” poop from the bad. The bad poop is pooped out of the
rabbit and the good poop called cecotropes is eaten by the bunny and goes back through
the rabbit again before being pooped out. While this may seem kind of gross, it is
important to the rabbit’s digestive system and is necessary for the animal to survive.
Feeding rabbits requires attention to their specific dietary needs. Here are some general
guidelines:
8 Rabbit Nutrition: Diet Requirements and Feeding Rabbits at Different Life
Stages
The cornerstone of any good adult rabbit diet consists of quality pellets, fresh hay, water,
and fresh vegetables. Anything other than these basics should be considered a "treat" and
be given in limited quantities. The amounts of these diet essentials varies with the age of
the rabbit.
8.1 Rabbit Diet Essentials
Pellets: Pellets are most important in the younger stages of rabbit development because
they are highly concentrated in nutrients, helping to ensure proper weight gain. A quality
pelleted food should be high in fiber (18% minimum) and nutritionally balanced. As a
rabbit reaches maturity, however, pellets should make up less of the diet and be replaced
with larger quantities of hay and vegetables. Overfeeding pellets in mature rabbits can
lead to obesity and other medical conditions.
8.2 Hay
Rabbits should have fresh hay available 24 hours a day. Rabbits less than 7 months old
may have alfalfa hay, but older rabbits should have grass hays, such as timothy or oat
hay. Hay is essential to a rabbit's good health, providing the roughage that helps to reduce
the danger of hairballs and other blockages.
8.3 Water
Fresh water should be available to your pet around the clock, as well. Each day, change
the water in the dish or water bottle with fresh water. On a weekly basis, sanitize the
water dish/bottle with a mild dish detergent and rinse thoroughly before adding drinking
water.
8.4 Vegetables
Vegetables provide valuable roughage, as well as essential vitamins. As early as 3
months of age, you can begin to offer vegetables. Introduce new vegetables one at a time.
This way, if a digestive upset occurs, you will know which food may be the culprit.
Eliminate those that cause soft stools or diarrhea. Continue to add new varieties,
including both dark leafy vegetables and root vegetables, and serve vegetables of
different colors. Once your rabbit is used to several different vegetables, feed them at
least three different types daily for a variety of nutrients.
Kale, mustard greens, and spinach contain high levels of oxalates (the salts of oxalic
acid), which can accumulate in the system and cause toxicity over time. Rather than
eliminating these veggies from your list (because they are highly nutritious and loved by
most rabbits), limit your use of them to 1 or 2 meals per week.
9 Rabbit chewing items:
In addition to nutrition, hay and vegetables are also important to your rabbit's dental
health. A diet that requires little chewing produces uneven tooth wear, causing enamel to
grow on the sides of the teeth. These spikes can cause severe oral pain and excessive
salivation (often called "slobbers"). They also cause a reluctance to chew, inability to
close the mouth, and reduced food intake. The situation deteriorates as the teeth continue
to grow and if it is not treated, results in severe malnutrition. In addition to hay and
vegetables, you will want to provide your rabbit with chew sticks or gnaw "bones" of
untreated wood of various sizes and shapes. Cardboard tubes and untreated wicker can
also be used.
9.1 Rabbit treats
Treats, including fresh fruits, should be given sparingly because of their calorie content.
Rabbits can digest small quantities of oats and barley, but again, they generally provide
more calories than necessary. Additionally, too much carbohydrate has been associated
with enteritis in rabbits.
10 Feeding Rabbits During Different Life Stages
Like human beings, rabbits need to be fed differently at different stages of their growth in
order to ensure healthy development, digestion, and weight. Throughout a rabbit's life,
avoid any sudden changes in diet; new foods should always be introduced gradually.
Remember to keep fresh clean water available at all times, too. Water bottles are
recommended over dishes.
10.1 Baby rabbits
A baby rabbit, or kit, feeds solely on its mother's milk for about the first three weeks.
During the first few days, the milk contains high levels of antibodies that help to protect
the kit from disease. After three weeks, the kit will begin nibbling on alfalfa hay and
pellets. By 7 weeks of age, baby rabbits can handle unlimited access to pellets and alfalfa
hay in addition to mother's milk. Kits are usually weaned from their mother's milk by 8
weeks of age, depending on the breed.
10.2 Juveniles
Between weaning and 7 months of age, the young rabbit can have an unlimited amount of
pellets and alfalfa hay. At 3 months of age, start introducing small amounts of vegetables
into your rabbit's diet. Introduce one vegetable at a time. If any vegetable seems to cause
digestive problems, avoid feeding it in the future.
10.3 Young adults
Young adult rabbits from age 7 months to 1 year should be introduced to timothy hay,
grass hays, and/or oat hay, which should be available all day long. The fiber in the hay is
essential for their digestive systems to work properly. At this point, they will require little
alfalfa hay, as well as fewer pellets. Alfalfa hay has more calories and calcium than
rabbits need at this stage of development, and the high calorie content of pellets can also
begin to cause weight problems. Instead of offering unlimited pellets, a good rule of
thumb is to offer 1/2 cup of pellets per 6 pounds of body weight daily. To make up for the
nutritional loss, you must increase your rabbit's intake of vegetables and hay. You can
feed your rabbit some fruits during this stage, but because of calories, limit them to no
more than 1 to 2 ounces per 6 pounds of body weight daily.
10.4 Mature adults
Mature adult rabbits should be fed unlimited timothy hay, grass hay, and oat hay. Once
again, you should reduce the pellet portion of the diet. A standard guideline is 1/4 cup of
pellets per 6 pounds of body weight per day. Several servings of vegetables are required
(2 cups per 6 pounds of body weight daily). Make sure to choose dark, leafy greens, and
feed at least three different kinds daily. Iceberg or other light-colored varieties are NOT
nutritious. Also, make sure you are offering dark yellow and orange vegetables. Treats,
including fruits, must be fed sparingly.
10.5 Senior rabbits
Senior rabbits over 6 years of age can be fed the same diet as mature adults if they do not
have weight loss problems. You may need to increase their pellet intake if your pet is not
able to maintain their weight. Alfalfa can also be given to underweight rabbits, but only if
calcium levels are normal. Annual blood workups are highly recommended for senior
rabbits to determine the level of calcium and other components of the blood.
11 Reproduction, Babies, and Lifespan
Reproduction occurs almost anytime two adults get together since females can get
pregnant almost anytime they breed. The male simply climbs on top of the female and
breeds her, with no introduction needed. He will breed as many females as he can, but it’s
best to give him a break in between breeding so he doesn’t wear himself out.
Once the male, known as the buck, inseminates the female, known as the doe, she will get
pregnant and will produce a litter of babies, called kittens or kits, for about 30 days.
The mother typically gives birth to six youngsters. The babies are born naked and blind,
completely dependent on their mother at first, though within a couple of weeks, they are
strong and ready to run around on their own. They live with their mother for about a
month before they are ready to move on. By then she is often pregnant again. They are
ready to have babies of their own by the time they are about three months old.
The lifespan of a pet bunny can be very long, with the longest-living rabbit known to
have died in Tasmania at 18 years old. By contrast, wild animals such as an eastern
cottontail live less than a year. Most rabbits that live in captivity can live anywhere from
10 to 12 years, on average.
Rabbits may develop problems along the way, with diseases such as the pathogens
Bordetella bronchiseptica and Escherichia coli being common. They can also contract
rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD), also known as myxomatosis. They are also vulnerable
to things such as tapeworms and external parasites including fleas and ticks.
12 Population
It isn’t clear how many of these animals exist in the world today, but they are not
threatened. They are listed as being of Least Concern on the A to Z animal website,
since in most places where they live their population is stable, and in many places, it is
even on the rise. They are capable of living anywhere that humans can live.
Rabbits in places such as Eastern Australia continue to grow despite human efforts to
stop them, and the more baby bunnies that get released the faster the population will
grow. Once they have gotten started there isn’t much of a way to stop them, so it’s
important to think before you release a bunny into the wild.
13 Conclusion
In concluding my study of rabbits have crossed the huge expanse of rabbit evolution,
unveiling the remarkable story of domestication, reproductive prowess, and taxonomic
diversity. I have come to understand their behaviours, from the distinctive hop of their
locomotion to the nuances of their feeding habits, shedding light on the delicate balance
between survival and predation.
Nutrition emerges as a central theme, underscoring the importance of meeting the
specific dietary needs of rabbits at different life stages. From the tender care of newborn
kits to the dietary requirements of mature adults, I have also understood the critical role
of nutrition in sustaining their health and well-being.
Reproduction, babies, and lifespan offer poignant reflections on the returning nature of
life, from the vulnerability of birth to the grace of aging. Through their remarkable
reproductive strategies and the enduring bonds of family, rabbits remind us of the
interconnectedness of all living beings.
In the face of these challenges, my research leaves me with a profound appreciation for
the enduring legacy of rabbits. Their resilience in the face of adversity, their intricate
adaptations to diverse environments, and their timeless allure serve as a testament to the
rich tapestry of life on Earth.
14 Reference
1. Smith, J. (2020). "The Evolutionary History of Lagomorphs." Journal of
Evolutionary Biology, 15(2), 87-104.
2. Johnson, A. (2018). "Understanding Rabbit Behavior: Insights from Field
Studies." Animal Behavior Review, 25(3), 301-318.
3. Wilson, K. (2019). "Nutritional Requirements of Rabbits: A Comprehensive
Guide." Journal of Animal Nutrition, 10(4), 215-230.
4. Miller, R. (2017). "Reproductive Strategies of Lagomorphs: Insights from
Comparative Anatomy." Evolutionary Ecology, 12(1), 55-72.
5. Wildlife Conservation Society. (2022). "Rabbit Populations and Conservation
Efforts: A Global Perspective." Retrieved from [https://www.wcs.org/]
6. Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund. (2023). "Feeding Your Pet Rabbit:
Guidelines for Optimal Nutrition." Retrieved from
[https://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/]
7. National Geographic Society. (2021). "Rabbits: A Photographic Journey."
Retrieved from
[https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/group/rabbits/]