There are many differences between rabbits and hares, however, taxonomic classification is key to determining how these two leporids differ from athletic morphology, long ears and strong hind limbs. Likewise, we will also delve into the characteristics and behavior of both animals, such as morphology, habitat or reproduction, among others.
Don't you know how to distinguish between rabbits and hares? In this article on our site we invite you to know the differences between rabbits and hares, keep reading, some of the curiosities that we mention will surprise you.
The family of rabbits and hares
The first of the differences between rabbits and hares is found when analyzing the taxonomy of both animals. As we have told you, rabbits and hares belong to the family of leporidae (Leporidae) which has more than fifty species of animals grouped into eleven genera.
The hares are the 32 species that belong to the genus Lepus:
- Lepus alleni
- Lepus americanus
- Lepus arcticus
- Lepus othus
- Lepus timidus
- Lepus californicus
- Lepus callotis
- Lepus capensis
- Lepus flavigularis
- Lepus insularis
- Lepus saxatilis
- Lepus tibetanus
- Lepus tolai
- Lepus castroviejoi
- Lepus commus
- Lepus coreanus
- Lepus corsicanus
- Lepus europaeus
- Lepus mandschuricus
- Lepus oiostolus
- Lepus starcki
- Lepus townsendii
- Lepus fagani
- Lepus microtis
- Lepus hainanus
- Lepus nigricollis
- Lepus peguensis
- Lepus sinensis
- Lepus yarkandensis
- Lepus brachyurus
- Lepus habessinicus
The rabbits, on the other hand, are all those animals that belong to the leporidae family, except for the species belonging to the genus Lepus. Thus, we consider rabbits to be all those species that belong to the 10 remaining genera of the family Leporidae: Brachylagus, Bunolagus, Caprolagus, Nesolagus, Oryctolagus, Pentalagus, Poelagus, Pronolagus, Romerolagus and Sylvilagus.
Differences between rabbits and hares - Habitat
The European Hares (Lepus europaeus) are distributed throughout Great Britain, Western Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. However, the human being has also introduced them in other continents artificially. These animals create nests of flattened grass and prefer open fields and grasslands to live.
In contrast, the European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are present in the Iberian Peninsula, small areas of France and northern Africa. They are also present on other continents due to human intervention. These animals dig to form complex burrows, mainly in forests and brushy fields. They prefer to live near sea level, in areas with soft, sandy soil.
Unlike hares, rabbits have learned to live with humans. They flee from the cultivated fields, where they see their burrows destroyed. These facts have unconsciously and inadvertently favored the colonization of rabbits in new areas.
Differences between rabbits and hares - Morphology
Morphology is another important aspect to take into account when we talk about the differences between rabbits and hares.
European hares have 48 chromosomes. They are slightly larger than rabbits, having an average length of 68 cm They have a yellowish-brown or coat greyish brown The underside of the fur is greyish white. The tail is black above and grayish white below. Their ears measure around 98 mm and have black spots. One feature worth noting is his articulated skull
There is no sexual dimorphism that differentiates females from males with the naked eye, in addition, in winter they change their fur, turning grayish white They are athletic animals that can reach 64 km/hour and jump up to 3 meters high.
European rabbits have 44 chromosomes. They are smaller than hares and have shorter ears. They measure about 44 cm in length and can weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. However, size and weight can vary greatly depending on the breed when it comes to domestic rabbit breeds.
The coat of wild rabbits can combine shades greyish, black, brown or red, combined with a pale gray undercoat and white tail. Their ears are short, as are their legs, and they show limbs that are much less powerful than hares.
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the ancestor of all domestic rabbits that we know of today, which exceed the 80 breeds recognized by the various world federations.
Differences between rabbits and hares - Behavior
The European hares are solitary, crepuscular and nocturnal De day we will be able to observe them only during the mating season. These animals are active throughout the year, mainly at night, but during daylight hours they look for depressed areas to make the "bed" and rest.
They are preyed upon by various predatory animals, such as foxes, wolves, coyotes, wild cats, hawks, and owls. Thanks to their excellent senses of sight, smell and hearing, hares quickly detect any threat. They then reach great speed and are able to dodge predators with sudden changes of direction.
They communicate through grunts, guttural calls and the grinding of teeth, which is interpreted as an alarm signal. Hares also often make a high-pitched call when injured or trapped.
For their part, the European rabbits are animals gregarious, crepuscular and nocturnalThey stay in very elaborate burrows, especially large and complex. The burrows house between 6 and 10 individuals of both sexes. Males are especially territorial during the breeding season.
Rabbits are much quieter than hares. However, they are capable of emitting loud cries when they are scared or injured. They also communicate with signals, scents, and by stomping their feet on the ground, a system that helps members of the colony warn of impending danger.
Differences between rabbits and hares - Feeding
The diet of hares and rabbits is very similar, since in both cases we are talking about herbivorous animals. In addition, both carry out coprophagia, that is, the consumption of their own feces, which allows them to absorb all the necessary nutrients from food.
The Hares feed mainly on grass and crops, although in winter they also eat branches, shoots and the bark of shrubs, small trees and fruit trees. For their part, the rabbits eat grass, leaves, buds, roots and tree bark.
Differences between rabbits and hares - Reproduction
One of the most notable differences between rabbits and hares can be seen after the birth of the young. While hares are precocial (the young are born fully developed, ready to stand up and perform the functions of adult individuals)rabbits are altricial (the young are born blind, deaf and hairless, depending entirely on their parents). Likewise, there are more differences:
The Hares breed in winter, more specifically in the months of January and February, as well as in midsummer. Their gestation lasts an average of 56 days and the size of the litter can vary enormously, ranging from between 1 and 8 individualsWeaning occurs when the lebrates reach one month of life and their sexual maturity reaches around 8 or 12 months of age.
Rabbits can breed all year round, although they generally do so during the first two quarters. Gestation is shorter, with an average 30 days and litter size is more stable, ranging between 5 and 6 individuals Rabbits are known for their great reproductive capacity, as they can have several litters a year. Kits are weaned at one month of age and reach sexual maturity at 8 months of age. Unlike hares, the mortality of wild rabbits is around 90% during the first year of life.
