The term “bunny” typically refers to species within the rabbit family, Leporidae. Determining their natural home is complicated because different species have adapted to varied ecological niches across the planet. From arid scrublands to lush temperate forests, the environments rabbits utilize for shelter and breeding are not uniform. A rabbit’s habitat is highly dependent on its species and whether it lives in the wild or under human care.
Global Geographic Range
Wild rabbits are naturally distributed across North America, Europe, and parts of Africa. North America holds the greatest diversity, home to many species of cottontails (Sylvilagus). The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the ancestor of all domestic breeds, originated in the Iberian Peninsula.
These native populations thrive in a wide array of biomes, demonstrating adaptability to different climate zones. Species occupy temperate grasslands and savannahs, utilizing dense vegetation for cover from predators. They are also common in shrublands and open woodlands, using the undergrowth for concealment and foraging.
Rabbits also occupy specialized niches globally. For example, the critically endangered Riverine Rabbit in South Africa is restricted to dense, riparian vegetation along specific floodplains. Asian species, like the Amami rabbit of Japan, are restricted to dense forest habitats.
The global range expanded dramatically due to human introduction, particularly the European rabbit, which became an invasive species in continents like Australia and New Zealand. They successfully colonized diverse landscapes, including rangelands and scrub. Other specialized species, like the pygmy rabbit, inhabit high-altitude sagebrush steppe.
Specific Habitat Structures
The European rabbit constructs extensive, complex underground networks known as warrens. These structures are excavated in well-drained soils, often on slopes, and contain numerous entrances, escape tunnels, and central chambers. The warren provides a stable microclimate, offering insulation from temperature extremes, serving as a communal refuge from predators, and securing a location for raising young.
Within the warren, specific nesting chambers are dug and lined with grass and fur for raising young that are born hairless and blind. These colonial structures support a complex social hierarchy and are continuously maintained and expanded by multiple individuals. The multiple openings allow for quick entry and exit, confusing predators like foxes and badgers.
In contrast, many North American species, such as the Eastern Cottontail, rely on simple surface structures called “forms” for daily shelter instead of warrens. A form is a shallow, scraped depression in the ground, often situated beneath dense thickets or brush piles, utilizing existing cover for camouflage. This simple structure offers concealment and serves primarily as a temporary resting spot during daylight hours.
For reproduction, cottontails dig separate, small, temporary nursery nests distinct from their resting forms. These breeding nests are shallow holes lined with vegetation and a thick layer of the mother’s plucked fur to insulate the kits. The mother covers the nest entrance with soil and debris, returning only briefly at dusk and dawn to nurse the young before resealing the opening.
The Domestic Environment
The domestic rabbit requires a carefully managed environment distinct from its wild ancestor’s home. Housing can be indoors, which is preferred for maintaining a stable ambient temperature and protection from predators. Indoor enclosures must provide enough space for the rabbit to fully stretch out, stand, and move, generally requiring a minimum size of four to six times the rabbit’s body length.
If housed outdoors, a secure hutch or shed is necessary, offering protection from weather extremes. Rabbits are sensitive to heat; temperatures above 26°C (80°F) can be dangerous, while the ideal range is between 10°C and 21°C (50°F and 70°F). Flooring must be solid, not wire mesh, to prevent pododermatitis, commonly known as sore hocks.
The domestic habitat must also include constant access to hay, which serves as both a food source and enrichment material. Providing tunnels, hiding spots, and digging boxes allows the rabbit to engage in natural behaviors, mimicking the refuge of a wild warren. Appropriate litter or substrate, such as paper-based products or wood shavings, helps maintain hygiene within the enclosure.