4 Remarkably Unique Rabbits l Our Breathing Planet

We hope that you enjoy this article about 4 Remarkably Unique Rabbits. Certainly, these wonderful creatures, in their many lovely forms, have fascinated mankind throughout the ages. It is easy to see why, of course. But, like all types of animals, each species remains different from the others in one way or another. A known total of 13 varieties of wild rabbit exist in the world. However, a grand total of 305 domestic breeds also exist, all descended from one of the original 13 varieties living in the wild.

Volcano Rabbit

Volcano Rabbit Facts

Leading off this article about 4 Remarkably Unique Rabbits is the awesome Romerolagus diazi, also known as the Volcano Rabbit.
First of all, the definitely attention-grabbing term serves as the common name for a single small species of rabbit. Furthermore, this particular and unique variety of rabbit also holds yet another highly distinguishing claim to fame. That’s because it evolved as endemic to an extremely restricted, and unique, range.
Furthermore, the small but truly remarkable animal also currently ranks as the second smallest known type of rabbit. Unfortunately, however, the overall population appears to be highly fragmented. Due to this, its population consists of only 150 – 200 known small groupings. In addition, each grouping holds no more than a handful of individuals.
Quite unfortunately, the majority researchers presently estimate that no more than 1,200 individuals still exist. In point of fact, due to these frighteningly low numbers, this animal represents one of the rarest of all known varieties of small mammals. Finally, the IUCN quite understandably currently lists this remarkable animal as Endangered.

Volcano Rabbit, Romerolagus diazi — Source: https://bit.ly/37qsZX2 Photographer: dispale CC License: https://bit.ly/3CqIYCq

Volcano Rabbit Physical Description

Most notably, the remarkable Volcano Rabbit proves that a lack of physical size represents no hindrance to impressiveness. That’s because adult specimens of the fabulous species only average a weight of roughly 0.86-1.3 lb (390-600 grams) in weight.

In addition, most individuals reliably measured by researchers only reach a head and body length of about 9 in (22.8 cm). However, a few very exceptional specimens do occasionally attain overall lengths of as much as 12 in (30 cm).

This adorable small animal also possesses relatively small, rounded ears. Additionally, it also has short legs, and short, thick fur. The fur itself generally shows a yellowish gray in color, mixed with a slight dusting of short black hairs.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Romerolagus
Species: R. diazi

Volcano Rabbit Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The rather surprising Volcano Rabbit has a natural habitat range that remains limited to only one specific portion of the world. That’s due to the fact that its only known habitat consists of certain rugged mountains of Mexico, in North America.

In fact, the very name of this diminutive mammal derives from the fact that it occurs only on the upper heights of four volcanoes south of Mexico City. Further, these small groupings only appear in a specific area, ranging in elevation ranging from 9,514-12,008 ft (2,900-3,660 m).

The Volcano Rabbit also distinguishes itself from most species of rabbits in its method of defense. Most rabbits thump their feet on the ground to warn others of danger. However, this fascinating creature developed a distinctly different approach to its defense. It emits a high pitched squeal. This makes it the only known type of rabbit to vocalize voluntarily.

The diet of the unique rabbit consists principally of comparatively tall local grass varieties. These also provide the creature with cover to conceal it from potential predators. During times of poor conditions, however, it will also consume various foliage and flowers. Finally, individuals primarily remain active during periods of dusk and dawn.

Flemish Giant Rabbit

Flemish Giant Rabbit Facts

Our next selection for inclusion in this compendium of 4 Remarkably Unique Rabbits is the befuddling animal known as the Flemish Giant Rabbit.
Most notably, the astounding rabbit currently holds the popular title of the King of Rabbits. Many individuals assign this unofficial title to the creature because it reigns supreme as the largest species of rabbit presently known to man. Furthermore, these very docile giants have also been bred since the early 16th century, chiefly for their size.
Today, however, the majority of people primarily breed the animal as a pet and show animal. For the record, the latter of these two we consider to be quite an unfortunate practice. Some people also refer to the remarkable animal popularly as the Gentle Giant. The use of this term occurs due to its extreme docility, even compared to related species.
Additionally, the possibility also exists that this fascinating species descended from the now extinct Patagonian rabbit. However, some scientists consider the evidence for this to currently be insufficient. But, regardless of its own origins, the Flemish Giant Rabbit actually represents the ancestor of many of the breeds of domestic rabbits popular today.

Flemish Giant Rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus — Source: http://bit.ly/1W1JIFn Photographer: Lithonious Public Domain Image

Flemish Giant Rabbit Physical Description

First of all, as the name implies, the incredible Flemish Giant Rabbit attains a truly giant size for a rabbit. That’s because the fabulous mammal attains a typical weight of about 15 lb (6.8 kg). Yet, exceptional individuals of this particularly impressive species occasionally reach weights totaling as much as an astonishing 22 lb (10 kg).

Secondly, the species does display slight degree of sexual dimorphism, much like most other related species. In its case, females typically attain a slightly greater weight than the males. The same females also usually reach a greater overall body length than the somewhat smaller males, as well.

In addition, the incredibly soft, luxurious fur of the animal may develop as any of seven color varieties. However, regardless of color, the fur itself typically appears rather glossy and quite dense. Meanwhile, the body remains elongated and the hindquarters develop relatively broad for a rabbit.

Further, the heads of the genders also display yet another form of gender-based physical variation. That’s because the heads of the two sexes have a decidedly different shape. As a result, the head of the male develops as much broader and larger than that of the female. Her head remains more streamlined in shape.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorphs
Family: Leporids
Genus: Oryctolagus

Flemish Giant Rabbit Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Being a domestic breed, the the wonderfully lovely Flemish Giant Rabbit actually has no natural distribution. But, humans first bred its earliest descendants in Belgium, in Europe. The development of the breed originally occurred to create a convenient source of both fur and meat.

As with other types of rabbits, the surprising species feeds entirely as a herbivore. Quite understandably, the animal primarily consumes a rather wide variety of vegetables and fruits. It also displays a definite fondness for hay.

However, the comparatively massive animal does require a higher protein content than other rabbits. Quite surprisingly, it also remains even more tolerant of human handling than other rabbits. But, it’s not very tolerant of excessive heat.

Finally, this animal commonly reaches breeding age about 5 months after birth. Typically, litter size varies from between 5-12 young, for most females. This enormous and remarkable breed of rabbit also lives longer than most Leporidae, with a typical life expectancy of between 8-10 years.

Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit

Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit Facts

Listing third among our choices of 4 Remarkably Unique Rabbits, though only due to random selection, is the awesome Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit.
Firstly, the animal, with the scientific name Sylvilagus palustris hefneri, remains perhaps the most endangered species of rabbit currently known to man. Those who discovered it chose, for reasons of their own, to name the dainty wonder of Nature in honor of Hugh Hefner.
Furthermore, this dainty creature also holds yet another distinction. That’s because the newly recognized species ranks as the smallest and rarest of the three known marsh rabbit subspecies. Quite sadly, however, all three face serious threats to their continue existence.
These threats consists of the same dangers that numerous other animals currently face. These include vehicular traffic, illegal dumping, domestic animals, invasive species, and, of course, climate change. For these reasons, the IUCN currently lists the animal as Endangered.
In addition, this awesome species also remains isolated to only a very tiny area in the world. This isolation has been further reinforced by the rise in sea level and human habitation in its native area. Finally, this isolation may be the reason for an extreme degree of specialization displayed by the animal.

Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri — Source: https://bit.ly/2Qunld3 Photographer: Tomfriedel CC License: https://bit.ly/2yCTWYM

Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit Physical Description

Regardless of its other distinctions, the marvelous Lower Keys Marsh rabbit forms a small-to-medium sized species. Individuals also average about 15 in (380 mm) in length and 2.2-3.8 lbs (1.0-1.7 kg) in weight. However, this remarkable animal displays no discernible degree of sexual dimorphism.

Additionally, this wonderful variety of rabbit develops hind feet that range in total length from 2.5 – 3.1 in (65 – 80 mm). Not only that, but its distinctive ears range in length from 1.7 – 2.4 in (45 – 62 mm). These provide it with excellent hearing, which serves as a definite advantage in its native habitat.

In addition, the fur of this remarkable animal typically grows comparatively short. In coloring, it most commonly displays various dark brown shades over much of its body. However, most individuals display a grayish-white coloring on the underside. Yet the short tail typically appears a dark brown in color.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Sylvilagus
Species: S. palustris
Subspecies: S. p. hefneri

Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The wonderful Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit apparently never had a large range to begin with. As the name indicates, the seemingly fragile animal inhabits the Florida Keys, in the United States, in North America. Yet sadly, the beautiful small creature now finds itself limited to an extremely tiny portion of the area.

This extremely restricted habitat range includes a few of the larger Lower Keys. Specifically, however, this covers Boca Chica, Saddlebunch, Sugarloaf, and Big Pine Keys and the small islands near these Keys. Further, research determined the habitat occupied by species to be limited to 633 acres in 1995, with only 81 suitable habitats.

It typically chooses areas of marsh, as the name implies. In addition, it prefers elevated sections, with sufficient plant cover for food, nesting, and protection. The animal has also become dependent on several specific plants for its diet. These include certain grasses, herbs, and sedges. Rather unfortunately, most of these have now been decimated by invasive species.

Pygmy Rabbit

Pygmy Rabbit Facts

The final of our particular choices of 4 Remarkably Unique Rabbits is one that truly stands out, the Pygmy Rabbit.
Most notably, the gorgeous animal represents the world’s smallest known species of rabbit. But its size its isn’t only interesting trait. That’s because the fascinating, and adorable, animal also represents one of only two species of rabbit native to its area that digs it own burrows.
Sadly, its habitat range also qualifies as extremely small, at least compared to some related species. Furthermore, this already highly restricted range of habitation continues to shrink. As with many creatures on the earth today, the actions of man play a role in this sad fact.
Yet despite,these lamentable factors, its numbers appear to be sufficient and stable, at least for the moment. For this reason, the IUCN currently lists this delightful small mammal as Least Concern. Yet, the country in which it appears lists the remarkable animal as Endangered.
However, its status with the IUCN could rapidly change for the worse, if environmental factors continue to deteriorate. Since the Pygmy Rabbit remains dependent upon specific habitat requirements, it could be threatened by ongoing climate change, even more than most species.

Pygmy Rabbit, Brachylagus idahoensis — Source: https://bit.ly/2Ww8btc Photo Credit: USFWS CC License: https://bit.ly/1ryPA8o

Pygmy Rabbit Physical Description

First of all, the truly gorgeous Pygmy Rabbit quite easily earns its common name. That’s because the adults of this remarkably tiny species only attain an average weight of about 1.1 lb (0.5 kg). Furthermore, individuals attain an overall body length measuring between 9.3 – 11. 6 in (23.5 – 29.5 cm).

In addition, like many related species, the beautiful little animal displays a moderate degree of the trait of sexual dimorphism. In its particular case, this appears in terms of physical size. That’s because females typically reach a slightly greater length and weight than their male counterparts.

This unique animal also develops a striking physical appearance, as well. For one thing, its ears remain quite small, in relation to the rest of its body, at least in comparison with related species. It usually displays a light gray color on most of its body. However, it also has a conspicuous lack of white fur on its short tail.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Brachylagus
Species: B. idahoensis

Pygmy Rabbit Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Most notably, the stunning little animal we call the Pygmy Rabbit inhabits a specific and extremely limited portion of the western United States, in North America. This region only consists of the portion of the country known as the Great Basin region, as well as adjacent mountainous areas.

Yet to be even more specific, this rare animal only inhabits altitudes ranging from 4,495 – 7,005 ft (1,370 – 2,135 m), depending on location. Further, it displays a decided preference for those areas having deep, loose soil, and especially dense, tall sagebrush. These provide t a measure of camouflage.

In addition, each individual or family appears to claim and protect its own tiny territory. Indeed, research also indicates that most individuals never stray more than 330 ft (100 m) from the burrow. Therefore, the nature of its surroundings also serve to provide it with a convenient source of food.

Finally, the amazing Pygmy Rabbit primarily prefers to feed on the sagebrush in most of the areas it inhabits. However, Nature has its own balance. As a result, this animal itself serves as prey to a variety of carnivores in the region. These include weasels, coyotes, red foxes, badgers, bobcats, owls, and hawks.