Taxonomy
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Oryctolagus
Species: Oryctolagus cuniculus
Conservation Status of the Species in Portugal and Worldwide
Portugal
World
Features and
Habits
In terms of size, it is around 40 cm long. It weighs between 1.2 and 2.5 kg. Regarding its characteristics, it can be confused with the hare, however it is smaller, and has both a shorter tail and shorter ears. The color of its fur can vary between grayish-brown and dark brown on the upper part and lighter on the belly.
It is herbivorous, feeding on grasses, herbs, and leaves. Depending on the season, it eats different foods. It reproduces throughout the year, but in greater numbers in spring and summer. Gestation lasts 30 days, and the female can have between 3 and 8 offspring per litter. The young are born blind and hairless, but grow rapidly and are nursed for 3 to 4 weeks. It is a social mammal that lives in family groups in burrows. These burrows occur mainly on slopes and banks. It is primarily active at the end of the day and at night.
Habitat and Distribution
It is a resident mammal (found in Portugal throughout the year). It is found in forested areas and agricultural land. It prefers areas of Mediterranean influence, such as holly woodlands and cereal steppes, with low-lying vegetation. It is common throughout the country; however, it is a mammal that is in decline, which affects some of Portugal's most emblematic predators, such as the Iberian Lynx and the Iberian Imperial Eagle, which are at risk of extinction.
Places where I have photographed this species so far.
All Photographs Taken
