ChatGPT said:

Absolutely! Here’s an in-depth look at the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)โ€”the most significant rabbit species globally due to its role in domestication:

2. European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

๐Ÿ”น Overview

  • The only wild rabbit species that has been domesticated.
  • Native to southern Europe and northwest Africa, now widespread worldwide due to human introduction.
  • All domestic rabbit breeds descend from this species.

๐Ÿ” Key Characteristics

TraitDescription
Size13โ€“20 inches long
Weight2โ€“5 pounds in the wild (much larger in domestic breeds)
ColorGray-brown wild coat; domestic breeds vary widely
EarsMedium-sized, erect
BehaviorSocial; live in large underground warrens
DietHerbivore: grasses, herbs, bark, vegetables
Lifespan9โ€“12 years in captivity; 1โ€“2 years in the wild

๐ŸŒ Distribution

  • Native: Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and parts of France.
  • Introduced: Britain, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas, and more.

๐Ÿ›‘ In some countries (like Australia and New Zealand), European rabbits are invasive pests causing major ecological damage.


๐Ÿ  Domestication

  • Domesticated ~1,400 years ago by monks in France.
  • Selected for traits like temperament, size, color, and fur/wool production.
  • Led to over 300 domestic breeds, including:
    • Flemish Giant
    • Netherland Dwarf
    • Rex
    • Angora
    • Mini Lop

๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ Habitat and Social Structure

  • Burrowing speciesโ€”creates complex tunnel systems called warrens.
  • Highly social: Live in groups with defined hierarchies.

๐Ÿ“‰ Conservation Status

  • Wild populations are declining in parts of their native range.
  • IUCN Red List: Classified as Near Threatened due to habitat loss and diseases like myxomatosis and RHD (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease).

Would you like a comparison between the European Rabbit and wild cottontails?