Diet:
* Herbivores: Rabbits are strict herbivores, primarily eating grasses, herbs, leaves, and twigs. They occasionally nibble on bark, flowers, and roots.
* Coprophagy: They practice coprophagy, eating their own soft, nutrient-rich "cecotropes" to absorb maximum nutrients from their plant diet.
Habitat:
* Burrows: Rabbits are known for digging burrows, providing shelter from predators and harsh weather.
* Variety: They inhabit diverse environments, including meadows, forests, grasslands, and even deserts.
Social Structure:
* Solitary: While they have a territory, rabbits are generally solitary animals, except during breeding season.
* Social groups: Some species, like the Eastern Cottontail, may form loose social groups, but interactions are often limited to scent marking and occasional communication.
Communication:
* Scent marking: Rabbits communicate through scent glands located on their chin, feet, and flanks.
* Vocalizations: While not very vocal, they make a variety of sounds, including grunts, snorts, and clicks.
Reproduction:
* Fast breeders: Rabbits reproduce quickly, with females capable of having multiple litters a year.
* Kits: Young rabbits, known as kits, are born blind and hairless, and rely on their mother for care.
Defense Mechanisms:
* Speed: Rabbits are incredibly fast runners and can jump surprisingly high.
* Camouflage: Their fur blends well with their environment, helping them hide from predators.
* Freezing: When threatened, they often freeze and remain motionless to avoid detection.
Other interesting facts:
* "Thumping" their feet: They thump their feet on the ground as a warning signal to other rabbits.
* Nocturnal: Some species are primarily active at night.
Overall, rabbits in the wild are adaptable creatures that have successfully thrived in a variety of environments. Their diet, habitat, and social interactions are all intricately linked to their survival and success.