Rabbits and hares facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rabbits and haresTemporal range: Late Eocene – Recent
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| Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) | |
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Leporidae
Fischer de Waldheim, 1817
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Pentalagus |
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Rabbits and hares are furry mammals. They belong to a special animal family called Leporidae. This family is part of a larger group called Lagomorpha. There are about 60 different kinds of rabbits and hares in the Leporidae family.
Animals in this family are often called Leporids. Even though we use the names "rabbit" and "hare," these aren't strict scientific groups. It's more like a common way to talk about different leporid species.
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What are Leporids?
Leporids are known for their long ears and powerful hind legs. They use these legs to run very fast and jump far. Most leporids have soft fur and a short, fluffy tail.
They are found all over the world, living in many different places. You can find them in forests, grasslands, deserts, and even snowy areas. They are mostly plant-eaters, meaning they eat grass, leaves, and other plants.
Different Kinds of Leporids
The Leporidae family includes many interesting animals. Scientists group them into different categories called genera (plural of genus). Here are some of the main groups:
True Hares (Genus Lepus)
- True hares are usually larger than rabbits.
- They have longer ears and legs.
- Hares are born with fur and open eyes, ready to move around quickly.
- They often live above ground in small dips, not in burrows.
- Examples include the European Hare and the Arctic Hare.
Rabbits
Rabbits are generally smaller than hares. They have shorter ears and legs. Baby rabbits are born without fur and with their eyes closed. They need more care when they are very young. Rabbits often live in underground burrows or tunnels.
European Rabbits (Genus Oryctolagus)
- The European Rabbit is a very common type.
- This is the kind of rabbit that domestic rabbits come from.
- They are known for digging complex burrows called warrens.
Cottontail Rabbits (Genus Sylvilagus)
- There are about 14 species of cottontail rabbits.
- They get their name from their fluffy, white tail that looks like a cotton ball.
- You can find them in North and South America.
- The Swamp Rabbit and Brush Rabbit are examples.
Other Unique Leporids
- Pygmy Rabbit (Genus Brachylagus): This is the smallest rabbit in North America.
- Riverine Rabbit (Genus Bunolagus): This rabbit is very rare and lives in South Africa.
- Amami Rabbit (Genus Pentalagus): This rabbit lives only on two small islands in Japan.
- Volcano Rabbit (Genus Romerolagus): This small rabbit lives near volcanoes in Mexico.
Images for kids
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Skeleton of an Alaskan Hare on display at the Museum of Osteology.
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Serengetilagus praecapensis skull, Naturkundemuseum, Berlin
See also
In Spanish: Lepóridos para niños
