Rabbits are small, furry mammals, globally recognized for their distinctive hopping gait and burrowing habits. Their widespread presence stems from a deep evolutionary past and significant human activity.
Ancient Origins
Rabbits belong to the order Lagomorpha, which includes pikas and hares. This group is distinct from rodents, a classification established in 1912 based on anatomical differences. Fossil evidence suggests lagomorphs originated in Asia millions of years ago. For instance, Hsiuannania from the Paleocene epoch in China dates back approximately 55 million years.
Leporids, the family encompassing rabbits and hares, first appeared in the late Eocene period and spread across the Northern Hemisphere. This highlights that rabbits did not evolve from rodents; both groups share a more distant common ancestor, a relationship supported by molecular biology studies.
The European Rabbit’s Homeland
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the ancestor of nearly all domestic rabbits. This species originated in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain, Portugal, and Andorra) and southwestern France. Its evolutionary history is centered in this region, with two subspecies diverging during the Quaternary glaciation.
In its native range, the European rabbit inhabits grasslands and areas with soft, sandy soil, ideal for digging extensive burrow networks called warrens. These warrens provide shelter from predators and harsh environmental conditions. Rabbits are herbivores, primarily consuming grasses and leaves.
Worldwide Spread and Domestication
The global distribution of rabbits, particularly the European rabbit, is largely a consequence of human activity spanning millennia. The ancient Romans introduced rabbits from the Iberian Peninsula to other parts of their empire for food and hunting in the 1st century BCE. They kept rabbits in enclosed areas called leporaria. While some Roman-introduced rabbits established wild populations, widespread naturalization across Europe occurred later.
During the Middle Ages, medieval monks in southern France began domesticating rabbits, breeding them for meat and fur. This practice led to the development of various breeds. Rabbits continued to spread across Europe, reaching Britain by the 12th century, introduced by the Normans for meat and fur.
The most significant global spread occurred with European exploration and settlement, as rabbits were intentionally introduced to new continents. In Australia, domestic rabbits arrived with the First Fleet in 1788 as a food source. However, their widespread establishment was largely triggered by Thomas Austin, who released 24 wild English rabbits for hunting in Victoria in 1859. These wilder genetics proved highly successful in the Australian environment.
Similarly, rabbits were introduced to New Zealand before 1838 for sport and food, rapidly expanding their populations. All domestic rabbit breeds today trace their lineage back to these European wild rabbits.