Kingdom animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Mammalia
Order Lagomorpha
Family leporidae
Rabbits, like hares, are animals of the Leporidae family. Thus, they have similarities and also significant differences. Hares are bigger and also more agile, thanks to their long hind limbs that allow them to run, swim and climb trees with great dexterity.
Despite being animals with rodent habits, rabbits do not belong to the Rodentia Order, but to the Lagomorpha Order. The main difference is that lagomorphs have a second pair of rudimentary incisors behind the upper incisors.
The body of rabbits is covered by a dense coat that can vary greatly in color. They have an oval head, large eyes, long ears and a very short tail. Size and weight vary by species, but generally weigh up to 3kg and measure up to 50 centimeters. In nature, they are found in sandy soil, woods, fields and, in some situations, in cultivated areas. They are more active at night.
Females can reproduce up to six times a year, being able to a new gestation 24 hours after having given birth. Gestation lasts approximately one month, giving birth to up to fifteen puppies. Such animals can live for around a decade.
Due to many of its physical and behavioral characteristics, the rabbit has been adopted for several purposes. In the industry, its meat is used for food, and the leather and fur are also used to make coats, brushes and hats. In the area of research and education, they are required to take toxicity tests, practice surgical techniques and also as experimental models in classes at certain higher education courses. All these applications are heavily questioned, as most of them are unnecessary. Their feces can be used as fertilizer, as they are rich in phosphates and nitrates.
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Rabbits are also adopted as pets. However, it is necessary to verify if, in fact, the family or individual in question is able to maintain it, and also to respect its restrictions. The first is about small children. Rabbits, when irritated, tend to defend themselves by biting. As its teeth are very sharp and children like to test the limits of animals, maybe it's not a good choice to acquire this animal, unless they are well oriented as to how to proceed with they. Two rules are important: they don't like to be on your lap and won't know how to defend themselves against dogs or cats, if you already have these pets at home.
Ideally, they live in freedom, in the backyard; or in metal cages, but dropping them when possible. However, it is essential that you never forget that rabbits tend to gnaw at what they find in front of them and, therefore, it is necessary to take out of their reach what could be the next target, avoiding annoyance and also safeguarding the health of the animal.
As for food, there is an appropriate ration for this, but it can be complemented with hay and fresh vegetables.
Rabbits should have their fur brushed once a week, with no need to bathe.
It is necessary that they visit, at least once a year, a veterinarian – and that they receive the appropriate vaccinations.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
