Domestic Rabbit

scientific name

Oryctolagus cuniculus

size/weight/height

varies greatly

adaptations/coloration

Color: various
Eyes: on sides of head - gives them wide field of vision (indicates rabbits are a prey animal)
Teeth: incisor teeth grow throughout lifetime " gap (diastema) before molar teeth " small set of incisors behind large pair (lagomorph)

behavior

terrestrial
Defense: rely on swift running to avoid predators; in wild often dig complex burrows or "warrens"

reproduction/lifespan

Cycle: every 15 - 16 days " female comes into heat few hours after giving birth
Ovulation: stimulated by copulation
Gestation: 30 days
Litters: can produce 5 -7 litters per year " 1 - 9 per litter " born naked, blind & deaf

diet

herbivore
Wild: grasses, clover, bark & grains
Zoo: Rabbit Chow, carrots, apples & lettuce

habitat/range

domesticated

status

domestic - different from wild native rabbits

wild rabbit

Enemies: foxes, ermines, ravens, owls & badgers (dig up dens)
Evolution: convergent with rodents

oregon zoo exhibit

Education Programs

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