The European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, has a complex global narrative. It is recognized worldwide as the ancestor of all domestic rabbit breeds, a testament to its adaptability and long history of human interaction. Beyond its domesticated forms, the European rabbit exists as a wild species, exhibiting survival strategies in various environments. This duality highlights a unique biological story, navigating roles as both a widespread domestic animal and a wild inhabitant across diverse landscapes. Its presence in ecosystems globally underscores a multifaceted relationship with nature and human society.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
The European rabbit measures between 38 to 50 centimeters in length and weighs 1.2 to 2.25 kilograms, though size can vary with habitat and diet. Its fur is generally grayish-brown, often with bands of brown and black or grey on the longer guard hairs, a reddish nape, and a paler grey or white belly. Distinctive features include long ears and powerful hind legs, contributing to its characteristic bobbing gait.
These rabbits are highly social animals, living in complex groups within extensive underground burrow systems known as warrens. A typical colony consists of six to ten adults of both sexes, with dominant individuals often having better access to resources. Warrens provide shelter from predators and offer protection from extreme temperatures. This intricate burrow network allows them to thrive in open grasslands and other environments by providing secure refuge.
Habitat and Global Distribution
The native range of the European rabbit is centered in the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing southwestern France, and northwest Africa. In these native regions, their preferred habitats include dry grasslands, scrublands, and areas with well-drained, sandy soils. They often seek out areas with secure refuge near open feeding grounds.
From this original distribution, humans have introduced the European rabbit across nearly every continent, excluding Asia and Antarctica. This widespread introduction began centuries ago, spreading through the Mediterranean world and across Europe. By the late 1700s, rabbits were brought to Australia, with significant feral populations emerging, and later spreading to Great Britain and New Zealand.
Ecological Impact as an Invasive Species
The introduction of European rabbits into non-native environments has led to substantial ecological damage, particularly in Australia, where they are considered a major pest. Their voracious grazing habits contribute to severe overgrazing, depleting native vegetation and preventing plant regeneration by consuming seeds and seedlings. This consumption often leads to widespread soil erosion, especially in drought-prone areas, as ground cover is removed.
European rabbits out-compete native wildlife for food resources and territory, contributing to the decline of native wildlife. To manage these populations, control methods have been implemented. The myxoma virus, causing myxomatosis, was introduced in Australia in 1950, initially effective, though rabbits developed resistance. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) was released in 1995 and significantly reduced rabbit numbers. A new strain, RHDV2, emerged in Australia in 2014 and became dominant.
Domestication and Conservation Status
The European rabbit is the sole ancestor of all domestic rabbit breeds. Through selective breeding, humans have developed a wide array of domestic rabbits for various purposes. This widespread presence contrasts with the species’ conservation status in its native range.
In its native Iberian Peninsula habitat, wild European rabbit populations have experienced severe declines. These reductions are attributed to diseases like myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, habitat loss, and hunting pressure. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified the European rabbit in its native range as “Endangered” in 2018. This highlights the paradox of a species that is both a successful domestic animal and a destructive invasive pest, yet faces a serious threat in its ancestral lands.