European rabbit

A lagomorph (family Leporidae) native to the Iberian Peninsula and southern France, ancestor of all domestic rabbit breeds. Wild rabbits weigh 1.5–2.5 kg; domestic breeds range from 1 kg (Netherland Dwarf) to 10+ kg (Flemish Giant). Wild-type agouti-colored fur is grayish-brown; domestic varieties show enormous coat color and body diversity. They are social, living in underground warren systems (hence "warren rabbit"). Herbivorous, eating grasses and herbs, with a specialized digestive system involving hindgut fermentation and coprophagy (eating cecotrophs for nutrient recovery). Famously prolific: females can produce 4–12 litters per year of 3–12 kits (gestation ~30 days). Introduced to Australia, they became an ecological catastrophe. In research, rabbits are the classical species for polyclonal antibody production, and are used in atherosclerosis, eye irritation (Draize test), reproductive biology, and immunology studies. They are also the third most popular pet mammal. The genome is sequenced (2n=44). Lifespan: 8–12 years. Wild populations are Endangered in their native Iberian range.