Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus

Rabbits are smaller and less gangly than Hares with shorter ears. The characteristic white flash on the underside of the tail can be seen when the animal is fleeing. The body fur is brown/grey. Head-body length: 30-40 cm.

They live on heathland, open meadow, grassland, woodland, the fringes of agricultural land and dry sandy soil, including sand dunes, but they avoid coniferous forests.

All year round

Lives socially in extended warrens and often numerous enough to cause extensive damage. Most active at dawn and dusk. Life span up to 9 years.

Introduced in the Middle Ages but now a common and conspicuous countryside mammal found in most lowland areas of Britain.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.