Rabbit  (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Rabbits originate from southwest Europe and north-west Africa, but they have been introduced to many countries including South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North and South America, for a range of reasons, not least the need for a ready supply of meat (3). Rabbits are at present widespread and common throughout Britain and Ireland (5).

A highly adaptable species, rabbits tend to prefer areas where the soil is loose and free draining, with cover such as scrub or rocks. Favoured habitats include small fields of arable or pasture with hedgerows, as well as sand dunes. They tend to avoid coniferous woodlands, damp areas, and very rarely occur above the tree line (3).