Hispid Hare

Caprolagus hispidus

Today's animal is one of the rarest mammals in the entire world, but many people have never even heard of it! The Hispid Hare (which is actually technically a Rabbit) is an endangered species that had a population of only around 110 individuals as of 2001.

Hispid Hares were thought to be extinct in the early 1960s, but then an individual surfaced in 1966. They have a very small range that covers parts of India and Nepal, and their numbers are on the decline due to habitat loss within that range. They are also mistakenly hunted due to their resemblance to another, more common, Hare species. Hispid Hares have not done well in captivity.

Unfortunately, because they are so rare we know very little about the behavior of these Hares. They live in grassland areas, are herbivores, and they do not appear to dig burrows. They have been described as "slow moving."

As a final side note, let's quickly discuss the difference between Rabbits and Hares. For one, Hares are found within the genus Lepus. Secondly, young Hares are born more developed than young Rabbits are, because they are born above ground, not in burrows (meaning they have to fend for themselves more quickly). And thirdly, Rabbits tend to hide from predators, while Hares attempt to outrun them. Rabbits have also been domesticated. Hares have not.

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IUCN Status : Endangered

Location : India and Nepal
Size : Length up to 21in (53cm), Weight up to 5.5lbs (2.5kg) 

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Lagomorpha
Family : Leporidae -- Genus : Caprolagus-- Species : C. hispidus

Volcano Rabbit

Romerolagus diazi

The Volcano Rabbit is the second smallest Rabbit in the entire world (after the very appropriately named Pygmy Rabbit). They have short ears, short legs, and a coat that allows them to easily blend in with the soil in their home range. They live in a very, very small range in Mexico and are currently listed as Endangered.

Surprise surprise, Volcano Rabbits live on the slopes of Volcanos! The Pelado, Iztaccíhuatl, Tlaloc, and Popocatepetl volcano slopes are where they make their homes (all of these volcanoes are now extinct). They live in burrows that can stretch up to 16ft long, and live in small social groups led by a dominant breeding pair.

Volcano Rabbits have the interesting distinction of being the only member of their family to make vocalizations. They make quiet squeaks and high pitched barks that are similar to those made by Pikas.

The species is listed as endangered because habitat loss and hunting have drastically reduced their population and their home range. An action plan is currently in place by the IUCN, and captive breeding colonies have been set up in a number of zoos.

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IUCN Status : Endangered
Location : Mexico
Size : Body Length up to 10in (25cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Lagomorpha
Family : Leporidae -- Genus : Romerolagus-- Species : R. diazi

Flemish Giant

Flemish Giant

It was pointed out to me that this week has been a bit of an unofficial theme week- the last couple days have featured animals that are popular within the pet industry! Well, why not keep this inadvertent theme going? Let's talk about the Flemish Giant, one of my favorite breeds of Domestic Rabbit, which can grow to weights of over 20lbs! That is larger than some dog breeds!

As the name suggests, Flemish Giants were developed in the region of Flanders. They are a very old breed, as far as modern rabbits are concerned, and were developed as far back as the early 16th century. There is some debate over the origins of the breed before that time, and some think they may have descended from large South American breeds brought back to Europe by Dutch traders.

The first confirmed records of the modern Flemish Giant breed date to the 1860s, and by the turn of the century breed clubs and standards were forming. These Rabbits were initially bred for their meat- a larger sized animal produces more food- but they are now popular as pets and for showing. The standard calls for 7 different recognized colors - black, blue, fawn, light gray, steel gray, sandy, and white - and are shown in 6 different age and sex based classes.

Flemish Giants are very docile Rabbits, and are less energetic and feisty than many of the smaller breeds, though improper socialization can make them fearful and violent. If properly handled, cared for, and interacted with, they become very tolerant, laid back, and healthy pets.

Keep in mind, however, that these guys are huge. Not only can they weigh over 20lbs, but they grow very, very quickly. A Flemish Giant can reach its full weight at only 9 months of age. They need a large habitat to move around in, and need a great deal of feeding (though don't give them too much, they are prone to obesity!)

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Originated in Flanders
Size : Weight up to 22lbs (10kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Lagomorpha
Family : Leporidae -- Genus : Oryctolagus-- Species : O. cuniculus

Netherland Dwarf

Netherland Dwarf

I'm heading over to the Wisconsin State Fair today, and for those of you who have not had the pleasure, the fair is known for three things: Every type of food imaginable.... on a stick. Pig races. Animals. Lots and lots of animals. While the horses, cows, and other large livestock usually get all the glory, I've always been a fan of the Rabbits and Poultry building. You get to see all kinds of different breeds, from the common to the completely unusual. Today we'll be learning all about one of the more popular Rabbits- the Netherland Dwarf.

Netherland Dwarf

The Netherland Dwarf originated in its namesake country during the early 20th century. They were the result of crosses between small wild rabbits and smaller polish breeds. The first Dwarfs were aggressive, and took after their wild relatives more than their domesticated ones. It wasn't until the past few decades that selective breeding was able to produce more gentile traits. However, there are still some skittish Rabbits out there, a carryover of their early days.

Netherlands Dwarfs are popular due to their small size, and the easier ownership requirements that go along with it. They need much smaller cages, less food, and do not need to live in pairs or groups like some small mammals do. They can be littler box trained, but success will vary on the individual.

Another reason why this breed is so popular? They retain infant-like looks as adults! They also come in just about every color imaginable. Because they are so small, they are kept as pets almost exclusively, as they aren't large enough for fur or meat usage.

Netherland Dwarfs are often crossed with other Rabbit Breeds to create smaller pets, and they have actually help to found several other breeds as well. The Jersey Woolly, Mini-Rex, and Holland Lop are all results of Dwarf crosses with other breeds.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : Netherlands
Size : Weigtha round 3.5lbs (1.6kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Lagomorpha
Family : Leporidae -- Genus : Oryctolagus -- Species : O. cuniculus