One of our best-known wild mammals, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was introduced to Great Britain during the Twelfth century AD by the Normans. Its hopping gait, long mobile ears and short 'bob-tail' have endeared this species to children and adults alike, and domesticated rabbits are popular pets. The coat is normally greyish-brown, but can range from sandy yellow to totally black. The belly and underside of the tail are white. Eroupean rabbits are smaller than hares, and have comparatively shorter legs. Males (bucks) and females (does) are similar in appearance, but bucks tend to weigh more and have slightly broader heads. European rabbits were also the first pests in the Australia in the 18th century with the First Fleet and eventually became widespread causing millions of dollars’ worth of damage to crops.
