Here's why:
* Habitat: Badgers prefer to live in woodlands, hedgerows, and open areas with access to good foraging and suitable earth for digging burrows. Rabbits, while they can be found in these areas, are more adaptable and can live in a wider range of habitats, including fields, gardens, and even urban areas.
* Diet: Badgers are omnivores, eating a variety of foods including earthworms, insects, small mammals, and fruits. Rabbits are herbivores and primarily eat grasses and plants. This difference in diet means they don't directly compete for food sources.
* Predator-Prey: While not their primary prey, badgers can sometimes prey on rabbits, particularly young or sick ones. This makes it less likely for them to live in close proximity.
Overall, while badgers and rabbits might share the same general area, it's more common for them to inhabit separate parts of the landscape, particularly because of the differences in their preferred habitats and dietary needs.