ORDER

Lagomorpha (hares, pikas and rabbits)

FAMILY

Leporidae (hares and rabbits)

HABITAT AND RANGE

The last ice age confined European rabbits to the Iberian Peninsula and small areas of France. Due to the adaptability of these animals, they can be found worldwide and are now domesticated. They can be found in the wild but are just as common in light forests as they are in city parks and backyards.

IDENTIFICATION

Wild chinchilla rabbits can weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kg; domestic breeds are generally larger. The coat is generally a dull grey but melanistic (dark brown and black) individuals are not uncommon.

DIET

Chinchilla rabbits are herbivores: a diet high in fibers and nutrients is essential for healthy digestion. Diet can include pelleted food with occasional treats such as small amounts of fruits and vegetables. In the wild they are generalists but show preferences for garden vegetables.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Rabbits are known for their reproductive prowess. Litters average at about 7 young and females experience postpartum estrus allowing them to have several litters per year. Gestation is short, only about 30 days. Males provide no parental care. Chinchilla rabbits can live to 9 years old but mortality rates are extremely high for the first year of life, however, reaching as high as 90%.

NOTES

Chinchilla rabbits are so named because their fur color resembles chinchillas. Female chinchilla rabbits store fat under their chin making them look very obese.