Mad About Rabbits by Kate Riding

Rabbits are animals belonging to the Lagomorph groupings that also comprise of hares and pikas. The term Lagomorph literally means "shaped like a hare" and comes from traditional Norse tongue, dating back to around the 14th Century. Rabbits are akin to rodents in many ways and share many traits with our other more unwanted friends such as rats, mice and gerbils. A closer similarity is that rabbits have sharp incisor teeth which continue to grow until the rabbit dies.
There are well over fifty species of rabbits and they all come together to form the family "Leporidae" which although sounds quite similar to leopard has in fact no bearing. Rabbits are in the main wild animals, even though many of us regard them as domestic animals they are actually wild and keep most of their wild characteristics, even the most tame rabbit will not lose it's wild instincts.
The strain of rabbit which is most commonly kept as a social pet is of the Oryctolagus Cuniculus gene and it is this breed that has been predominantly developed via process of selective breeding to give us the breeds of rabbit which we know, love and cherish today.
And yes, you've guessed it - I'mm completely bonkers about rabbits and hope you are too. If not then perhaps reading this article will go in some way to bringing you round to those little furry animals.
Rabbits are famous for their very high level of reproductivity and are entirely vegetarian with a very powerful hind leg, suitable for jumping and rapid acceleration from would be predators.
Experts predict that once upon a time rabbits had long tails but evolution being evolution has left the rabbit with it's now infamous short and fluffy tail.
Favourite foods are (of course) carrots and a wide array of green vegetables and grasses although it's not unknown for rabbits to enjoy a piece of toast or biscuit (although please note in moderation only).
Wild rabbits can be spotted throughout the day although are more active late at night and in the early morning when they get the chance to stretch their legs while predators sleep.