Expert opinion
Dobryshev Sergey Anatolievich
Professional rabbit breeder and hare breeder with 30 years of experience
The wild or otherwise European rabbit has the honorable title of being the ancestor of all existing breeds, including decorative ones. In the process of evolution, their physiology has adapted to survive in very difficult conditions. Wild rabbits survive successfully despite infectious diseases, predators and other difficulties. Getting to know their characteristics and lifestyle helps to better understand the nature of domestic representatives, what they need, and proper care for them.
Appearance
A wild rabbit is a small animal with a body length of up to 45 cm and a weight of up to 2.5 kg. A characteristic feature of the animal is that the length of its ears is always less than the size of its head, up to 7 cm, in contrast to hares, whose ears are longer. The feet of the rabbit's limbs are covered with short hair. The paws have long and straight claws.
The coat color of wild rabbits is predominantly gray-brown; in some individuals the reddish shade of guard hair predominates. The hair on the central part of the back is slightly darkened, the tail at the end is also dark, almost black or gray, and white underneath. The fur on the sides of the body is always slightly lighter than on the back, and in the abdominal area it is white or light gray. On the back of the head, behind the ears of the animal, there are ocher spots.
The fur of a wild rabbit does not change color during seasonal molting, which occurs in autumn and spring.
REPRODUCTION
Wild European rabbits are extremely fertile and reproduce incredibly quickly. For example, in New Zealand, one female on average gives birth to 20 rabbits per year, and in Australia even 40. After a short pregnancy, the female gives birth to five or more rabbits. A few hours after giving birth, she is already mating again. A female rabbit can give birth to 5-7 litters per year. The peak of sexual activity in rabbits occurs in spring and summer, but pregnant females can be found as early as February. Rabbits are born in a nest, which the female lines with hay and down. The female visits the cubs several times a day to feed them milk. Newborn rabbits weigh from 25 to 40 g, they are blind, deaf and have no hair. In the first week of life they can barely move. On the eighth day, the babies become covered with fur. After two days their eyes open.
Where do rabbits live in the wild?
Wild European rabbits are native to Southern Europe, where they get their name. Over time, their habitat expanded significantly. The largest number of species lives in North America. In second place are the countries of South America. Wild rabbits live in Africa, western and central Europe, Scandinavian countries, the Mediterranean, islands in the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic. They feel good in Australia and New Zealand, where there is a favorable climate in the summer, there are no droughts, and in the winter there is no snow cover.
Animals choose places with dense vegetation for their habitat. They settle in meadows, clearings with tall grass, and along ravines. Plants within reach serve as food for them. They prefer light soil because they have to dig their own holes.
The limit of the habitat of wild rabbits in the world
Wild rabbits, as a rule, choose to live in areas with temperate climatic conditions, where there are no harsh winters. Today, these animals are distributed throughout the planet, with the exception of the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The border of habitat in Russia
Rabbits appeared in Russia a very long time ago. They are even mentioned in ancient chronicles, which say that the first animals were released onto the coastal territory of the Dniester and Dnieper, from where the long-eared animals migrated to the north and east of the country.
At the moment, large populations of wild rabbits have been registered in the North Caucasus, in the Stavropol and Krasnodar Territories, and the Rostov Region. The climate and natural conditions of these regions are ideal for the animals, and they successfully reproduce there.
Spreading
The wild rabbit was originally found in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as parts of France and northwest Africa. It is believed that in this area, characterized by a warm climate, animals were able to survive after the Ice Age. From here, thanks to the Romans, European rabbits came to the Mediterranean. Animals were brought to the territory of modern England and Ireland by the inhabitants of Scandinavia in the 12th century AD. During the Middle Ages, rabbits had already spread throughout Europe.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, wild rabbits were specially transported to different islands - Hawaiian, Canary, Azores, and released there for acclimatization and reproduction. The animal colonies were supposed to serve as food for sailors. Towards the middle of the 18th century, long-eared rodents were brought to the territory of Chile, from where the animals independently moved to Argentina. Somewhat later, in the mid-20th century, European rabbits were brought to Australia, the USA and New Zealand.
The European rabbit lives wherever there are no harsh winters
At the moment, wild rabbits live wherever there are no harsh winters. These animals are not found except in Antarctica and Asia.
Reference. Wild rabbits choose habitats where in winter the number of days with stable snow cover does not exceed 37.
Two types of burrows in rabbits
The dwellings of wild rabbits are of two types: simple and complex. Simple ones are disposable and are pulled out by pregnant females before giving birth, following instinct. There births and feeding of newborns with mother's milk take place.
A simple burrow, which is a tunnel with a diameter of 10-15 cm at the entrance, gradually widens and ends with a chamber intended for brood, with a diameter of 30-60 cm.
Families led by a dominant male live in complex, permanent burrows.
The family hole is complex. The length of the tunnels reaches 50 meters. There are numerous branches and several emergency exits. The height of the living quarters is 30-60 cm. You can detect the hole by the vegetation eaten around it.
Advantages.
The method is considered low-cost both in terms of the use of materials and time. The most common and easy-to-maintain pit size, 2x2 meters, allows a herd of up to 150-200 animals to stay in it at the same time. And for example, when implementing the Mikhailov method, the use of production space is an order of magnitude greater (not to mention the cost of the Yurta and Kvarta cells themselves). So a cage for two females, together with the territory for maintenance according to Mikhailov, occupies about 6 square meters. meters. Ordinary classic wooden cages use the territory somewhat more economically, but those who raised rabbits in them will confirm that these cages do not last forever, they need to be periodically replaced, and this requires significant material and time costs.
Source
Lifestyle
The European rabbit leads a sedentary lifestyle, unlike the hare. Animals inhabit territories with rugged terrain and rich vegetation, since the latter serves as food for them. Animals can be found on the coasts of estuaries, in ravines, and ravines. Animals are not found in dense forests, nor in mountainous areas.
Wild rabbits often coexist with humans, populating areas on the outskirts of populated areas, landfills and wastelands. Since rodents have a need to dig holes, the composition of the soil matters to them. For these animals, loose soil is preferable to clay or rocky soil. Having chosen a territory, the animals mark it with their secretions, rub their muzzles on objects, scatter excrement and splash urine. These animals prefer to live in small groups in which:
- the dominant role is given to the breeding male;
- a dominant female with cubs lives with him;
- the group includes 1-2 more females with or without offspring, living in separate burrows.
Young males living in the same colony with the dominant one readily protect females and offspring. Rabbits have their own methods of communication, they warn each other about danger, and come to each other's aid.
Wild rabbits are polygamous creatures, but some individuals create a family with one female and remain with her forever.
The burrows of wild rabbits are of interest. They are different:
- Family. Only adult animals live in them. Such dwellings are equipped with several entrances and exits.
- Broods. This type of burrow is intended for baby rabbits. Fled females independently dig them not far from the family burrow. Brood burrows have only 1 entrance, which also serves as an exit. Female rabbits come there to feed their babies. When leaving the nest, the female disguises the entrance so that wild animals do not find the offspring.
Family-type burrows can be simple or complex. The first are intended for single females, and the second for a dominant male with his family. Simple family burrows have up to 3 entrances and exits, and complex ones have up to 8.
Conditions for using the pit method.
Nowadays, the method is not widely used among rabbit breeders, although it has a number of advantages even compared to modern developments. It all depends on the specific conditions in each specific case. Let's consider these conditions. I’ll say right away that it is impossible to breed rabbits in pits in areas where the groundwater is high. Even in the spring during the flood period, their level should not rise above 1 meter, that is, above the estimated bottom of the pit. It is very important to prevent burrows from flooding - this can lead to the death of animals. Experience shows that it is better not to use large breed rabbits for this method.
Another limitation that prevents rabbits from digging holes, living and breeding in them is frozen soil. Therefore, the bottom of the pit should be at least 50 centimeters below the freezing level. In addition, in the northern regions and some areas of Siberia, the ground not only freezes deeply, but also does not have time to thaw during the summer. The ice extends to a very great depth, tens and hundreds of meters, and therefore, even if you dig a hole in the summer, in the winter the rabbits will be doomed to live in icy holes. These conditions are not compatible with their life. If you have suspicions that your region is located in the permafrost zone, then you should definitely check them. To do this, just contact a local construction company or look in a directory found on the Internet.
Nutritional Features
Wild rabbits are herbivores, adapted to life in regions with poor vegetation. Animals digest food with the help of cecotrophs, which contain many enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and beneficial bacteria.
They are formed in the cecum and, after exiting through the anus, are eaten, enter the intestinal canal and participate in the breakdown of cellulose.
In summer, European rabbits eat grass and leaves. In winter, their diet consists of branches and roots. European wild rabbits that live near farmers' fields feast on carrots, lettuce, cabbage, legumes and grains.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
Herbivorous European wild rabbits feed mainly on grass, clover and other plants that are suitable for them as food. In winter, their diet is enriched with other plants and tree bark. European wild rabbits go out in search of food in the morning and evening. Huge colonies of rabbits in the fall can destroy the entire crop in the fields. Villagers fight these wild animals, considering them pests. They strive to get rid of rabbits on their land by any means possible.
Unlike the digestive tract of sheep and cows, the wild rabbit's digestive tract is less efficient. After eating, wild rabbits return to their burrows, where they deposit piles of soft excrement and later eat them. Thus, food passes through the rabbit’s digestive tract twice, delivering the nutrients the body needs. The final product of food processing is released in the form of hard peas.
Varieties of European rabbit
The European wild rabbit is the only representative of the domesticated rabbit from which modern breeds originated. The following species are found in the wild:
An ordinary rabbit. It lives in most European countries and other areas, with the exception of places with prolonged sub-zero temperatures.
The water rabbit is the largest representative of the genus. The length of the body reaches 55 cm. It is notable for the fact that it swims well and knows how to hide from pursuit under water. In this case, the nose remains on the surface, which allows the animal to remain in this position for a long time. They live in the southeastern states of the USA. Swampy lowlands are chosen for living.
Red rabbit. Habitat: highlands in southern Africa. A distinctive feature is the thin silky fur of a reddish color, tinged with gray. Long body, large ears covered with sparse hair.
The Idaho rabbit (pygmy) is the smallest rabbit in the world. Body length from 22 to 28 cm, weight 250-450 grams. Short hind limbs make it impossible to move by jumping, as its brothers do. The fur is yellowish-brown, lighter on the belly and paws. Lives in the northwestern states of the USA. It settles mainly in wormwood thickets, which is the main type of food.
Nutalla is a small animal. The body length is 33-40 cm. It has long hind limbs, the feet of which are covered with long hair. The main color is light brown. Lives in the USA and Canada.
California rabbit. The large animal reaches 50 cm in length. The legs, paws, ears, and tail are short. Color ranges from brown to dark brown. Lives on the Pacific coast of North America. Settles in areas overgrown with bushes. A distinctive feature is the ability to climb bushes and small trees in search of food.
Steppe rabbit. A characteristic external feature is large, vertical ears. With a body size of 33-43 cm, the length of the ears can reach 10 cm. The color is grayish-brown. Habitat: desert grasslands of North America and Mexico. They feed on cacti and herbs growing there.
Tailless or volcanic rabbit. One of the smallest species of wild rabbits. Body length 27-32 cm. Small rounded ears, tail almost invisible. Habitat: mountainous areas of central Mexico.
The most widespread is the common rabbit.
Duration and lifestyle
In the wild, European rabbits live up to 2-3 years. Quiet and cautious animals are nocturnal. At night, they search for food, and at dawn they hide in burrows, which consist of a spacious nesting chamber and several exits.
On a note. European wild rabbits are territorial herd animals that live in groups of 6-10 mature individuals. Each animal has at least 15 m2. Males adhere to a strict hierarchy.
Lifespan of wild rabbits
The biological age of rabbits living in the wild is 15 years, but in reality only 30% of rabbits survive until the age of three. This is due to the fact that there are a lot of predators and birds who want to hunt these defenseless animals. But the cause of early deaths is not only attacks from wild animals, but also various infections and diseases that a weak body cannot tolerate.
To date, the maximum recorded age for rodent life expectancy is 19 years. In the wild, rabbits do not live more than 2-3 years, which cannot be said about pets, whose life is completely dependent on their owner. Domestic rabbits can live up to 7 years.
Reproduction
In warm regions, wild rabbits breed throughout the year. For example, in countries located below the equator, animals do not reproduce only when the vegetation burns out. Animals living in the central part of Europe actively breed from March to October. Animals that have inhabited the northern territories of the European continent stop breeding in July-August. On average, a female gives birth to from 4 to 8 litters per year, depending on the climatic conditions in which she lives.
The duration of pregnancy in a wild rabbit is 30 days, sometimes birth occurs a little earlier or later. One litter can have 4-10 cubs. The fertility of females depends on the following factors:
- health conditions;
- diet;
- age (after 3 years the fertility rate decreases).
Wild European rabbit
Newborn rabbits are completely defenseless - there is no hair on their body, their eyes are closed. Before giving birth, the female rabbit sets up a nest, putting fluff from her belly into it. She feeds the babies with milk until they are one month old, although already 2 weeks after birth they leave the nest and try adult food.
Reference. The eyes of baby rabbits open on the 10-11th day of life.
Although the European rabbit is highly fertile, population growth is insignificant, since animals in natural conditions are susceptible to infections and attacks by animals. Almost 40% of young animals die within 7-9 days after birth. Another 50% die before they even live a year. Although the average lifespan of these animals is 12 years, in their natural environment they live no longer than 3 years. The death of animals occurs due to infection with dangerous infections and parasites, as well as due to flooding of burrows during melting snow and heavy rainfall.
What is the value of these animals for humans?
It turns out that only this species of European wild rabbit has been domesticated by humans. Therefore, he is considered the ancestor of all domestic breeds of these small animals without exception.
They are currently being bred in various natural protected areas and nurseries. European rabbits are in demand among many breeders, as they can be used to improve breeds of domesticated species.
In addition, they are a commercial object due to their beautiful fur and tasty meat. That is why rabbit breeding is considered one of the most important branches of world agriculture.
Since the domestication of wild rabbits, more than seventy different breeds of these animals have been bred. Among them are downy, decorative, and also those used for testing new medications and food products in scientific laboratories.
But besides being useful, these wild animals in some countries, where there are no predatory animals, can cause great harm to people, eating all crops, damaging fields, crops, and also spoiling land with their numerous burrows. For example, on the Pacific islands they completely destroyed vegetation, which led to soil erosion and the destruction of coastlines that served as nesting sites for seabirds.
How to feed rabbits correctly
The domestic rabbit requires quite a lot of food due to its body structure and activity. The lion's share of the daily diet of rabbits is food of plant origin.
There are several types of food:
- greenery;
- succulent food;
- roughage;
- combined feed.
It is important to remember that for proper growth and development of pets, the rabbit menu should consist not only of all types of food, it should include vitamin and mineral supplements. To calculate how much feed you need per day, you should use the feeding rate table.
Green food includes fresh grass, cabbage leaves and vegetable tops. In summer there are no problems with obtaining this food. But what to do in winter? This is where succulent food comes to the rescue of the rabbit breeder. Root vegetables or silage are usually used as succulent additives. Silage is prepared in advance and fermented for at least 2 months.
In winter, instead of greens, the source of vitamins for rabbits is roughage. This is hay, branches and tree bark. Hay, like silage, is prepared in advance. The cut grass is carefully sorted and washed with boiled water, after which it is dried in the shade on the street or on the balcony. Branch food should also be prepared in spring or summer. Not every tree is suitable for rabbits: some of them, such as elderberry or apricot, are extremely toxic.
Combined food and fresh vegetables are considered a source of protein and fiber for rabbits. Without these products, the animal will not be able to gain weight. Concentrated feed includes hard grains such as wheat, oats, barley, and sunflower seeds. Rabbits enjoy eating corn and peas. Among vegetables, carrots and cabbage take first place, but potatoes, pumpkin, and zucchini are also suitable. Rabbits can be given beets, but in moderation. Rodents have rather weak stomachs, and things can end in frustration.
Another feature of rabbits is their teeth. The animal's incisors grow throughout its life and to prevent them from starting to curl, wood is needed for the point. Otherwise, the eared one will begin to gnaw the cage and make noise at night.
Vitamin and mineral supplements, in addition to regular food, are contained in fish oil, bone meal or chalk. These components must also be present in the animal’s diet, especially for expectant mothers. A lack of calcium can lead to rickets and bone deformation.
There are four meals a day and three meals a day, which also differ depending on the time of year. Typically, farmers select feeding times individually for the breed, but if the rabbit is a pet, then you need to feed it based on your own schedule. Food should be given at approximately the same time, otherwise the animal begins to get nervous. Even small rabbits drink a lot of water, so it is important to monitor the availability of fluids around the clock. Hunger is not as bad for this animal as dehydration. The drinking bowl is filled with plain water, but preferably settled or boiled. To boost immunity, you can add a drop of lemon juice to the water once a month.
