European Rabbit

Description:

The European Rabbit is a small, grey-brown mammal ranging from 34–45 cm in length, and is approximately 1.3-2.2 kg in weight. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life, and two peg teeth on the top behind the incisors, dissimilar to those of rodents (which have only 2 each, top and bottom). Rabbits have long ears, large hind legs, and short, fluffy tails. Rabbits move by hopping, using their long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, a rabbit's hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. Their toes are long, and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps.

Habitat:

The European Rabbit is well-known for digging networks of burrows, called warrens, where it spends most of its time when not feeding. Is a species of rabbit native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal) and north west Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It has been widely introduced elsewhere.

Notes:

This and other rabbits were playing close to their burrows in a hill facing the meadows of Het Zwin.