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Mammals of Zihuatanejo

CLASS MAMMALIA

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Chordates (Phylum Chordata)

-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)

-Mammals (Class Mammalia)

-Therians (Subclass Theria)

-Placental Mammals (Infraclass Placentalia)

-Primates, Rodents, and Allies (Superorder Euarchontoglires)

-Lagomorphs (Order Lagomorpha)

-Hares and Rabbits (Family Leporidae)

-European Rabbits (Genus Oryctolagus)

-European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)


The European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), introduced to Mexico, is a non-native species that has established small feral populations in certain regions, primarily due to accidental or intentional releases from captivity. Originally native to the Iberian Peninsula, this rabbit is known for its high reproductive rate and burrowing behaviour, which can significantly alter local ecosystems. In Mexico, its presence poses ecological concerns, as it competes with native herbivores for food and habitat, contributes to soil erosion through extensive burrowing, and may negatively affect native plant communities by overgrazing.

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Diet

  • Herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses, herbs, clover, wildflowers, leaves, bark, buds, roots, and agricultural crops.

  • May also consume seeds and fruits when available.

  • Like many rabbits, it practises caecotrophy, re-ingesting nutrient-rich soft droppings to extract additional vitamins and nutrients from its food.

Range

  • Native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and parts of southern France.

  • Introduced by humans to every continent except Antarctica, including parts of Mexico.

  • In Mexico, populations are localized and occur mainly where rabbits have been introduced or escaped from captivity.

  • It is not native to the Zihuatanejo region and is much less common there than native cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus spp.).

Habitat

  • Occupies grasslands, shrublands, agricultural fields, open woodlands, coastal dunes, and pastureland.

  • Prefers areas with well-drained soils suitable for digging extensive underground burrow systems called warrens.

  • Often thrives in human-modified landscapes with abundant grasses and nearby cover.

Size

  • Body length: 34–50 cm (13–20 in)

  • Tail length: 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in)

  • Weight: 1.2–2.5 kg (2.6–5.5 lb)

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