Arctic Hare
Main Characteristics of Rabbits and Hares
Here you will learn everything about rabbits and hares, known for their strong hind legs, fluffy fur, and slender ears.
What Are Rabbits and Hares?
Rabbits and hares are small mammals that belong to the lagomorph order. They possess teeth that continuously grow, similar to rodents. They are prey animals and have very powerful hind legs that allow them to quickly escape from predators. While people often think of long, narrow ears when it comes to rabbits, this physical trait does not apply to all species. European field hare, black-tailed jackrabbits, mountain hares, antelope jackrabbits, and desert hares have particularly long ears. European rabbits tend to have shorter ears, while pikas have small, round ears.
Main Characteristics of Lagomorphs
1. Strong Hind Legs for Running
The strong hind legs enable rabbits and hares to hop quickly and flee from threats. To alert their fellow rabbits of danger, they also thump the ground vigorously.
2. Teeth That Never Stop Growing
Rabbits and hares have teeth that grow throughout their lives. They wear down by cutting and chewing plants. Each jaw has two large, peg-like incisors. Where canine teeth would typically be, rabbits have a gap. At the back of the mouth, there are molars, which also grow continuously.
3. Large Eyes – for Better Vision
Large eyes are a typical feature of rabbits and hares. They capture a lot of light, allowing the animals to see well during twilight and at night. Since their eyes are positioned far to the sides of their heads, they also have a wide field of vision.
4. Cozy Fur Against the Cold
Rabbits have very dense, soft fur that protects them from the cold. When they dart through underbrush to escape a predator, it also provides protection against minor injuries.
Lagomorph Family Tree
Amazing Facts ABout Rabbits and Hares
- The lagomorph order includes 70-80 species.
- It consists of two families: the leporidae (rabbits and hares) and pikas.
- There are around 55 species of rabbits and hares, for example the European rabbit, cottontail rabbit, European hare, desert hare and black-tailed jackrabbit.
- There are 30 species of pikas. They make high-pitched sounds.
- Rabbits and hares are herbivores.
- Rabbits and hares live everywhere in the world except Antarctica.
- The tail is usually quite short.
- Rabbits and hares have various lifestyles: hares are solitary, while rabbits are social animals.
- The largest is the brown hare, which can grow up to 27 inches (68 cm) in length and weigh as much as 11 pounds (5 kg).
- The smallest is the American pika, also known as the whistle pig, with a body length of 6-9 inches (16-22 cm).
