Hare or rabbit?

Hare and rabbit - how do they differ externally?

The difference in body structure is most evident. A hare is tall and slim, a rabbit is significantly smaller and stockier. For comparison: a hare reaches a length of between 50 and 70 cm, a rabbit reaches a length of 25 to 40 cm. The difference in weight is also very clear: a hare weighs between 4 and 7 kilos, a rabbit weighs between 1 and 3 kilos.

The legs of a hare are long and strong, the legs of the rabbit are significantly shorter. And then of course there are the ears: a hare's ears are significantly longer than those of a rabbit.

Hares and rabbits also differ in their fur colors. It must be said that rabbits only exist in the wild; Their fur is always gray-brown, as is that of wild rabbits. Since rabbits, unlike hares, also exist as pets, they also come in many other color variations.

Are there differences in eating habits?

When it comes to preferred foods, there are initially no differences. Both animal species feed on the grasses, roots and herbs that their living environment offers them. Neither of them will say no to grains or cabbage leaves if the opportunity presents itself. In the winter months, hares and rabbits eat the bark from trees, buds and twigs.

There is still a difference when it comes to securing food. As already mentioned above, rabbits do not necessarily live far away from human civilization, but more or less among us, in cities and towns. There they find a rich supply of food, while in the wild the hare has increasing difficulty finding anything edible. What the rabbit used to like to eat (grasses and the like) is wrongly labeled as weeds by us humans and destroyed with harmful chemicals.

 The monoculture in agriculture further reduces the supply for rabbits.

Differences in habitat

While hares prefer large, wide areas such as fields and meadows, rabbits prefer things to be manageable. They live in smaller meadows and sections of terrain. Unlike the hare, a rabbit builds elaborate underground burrows with complex tunnel systems.

Hares are only at home in habitats far away from human civilization, but rabbits have penetrated inner cities with their parks and urban forests. Because of their nest-building behavior, they are somewhat protected from people there.

How do hares and rabbits differ in social behavior and lifestyle?

Rabbits are sociable animals that always live in a group. They probably couldn't survive otherwise, because rabbits are naked and blind at birth. This is also a plausible explanation for why rabbits build burrows: There the newborn, helpless offspring are better protected from enemies.

Rabbits are so-called precocious birds; They are born hairy and already have a developed sense of sight and hearing. Apart from the mating season, hares are solitary animals, which clearly distinguishes them from rabbits.

If danger arises, rabbits quickly disappear into their burrow, and the various entrances to the tunnel system will certainly benefit them. A hare, on the other hand, flees at breathtaking speed; It can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. He can also hit perfect hooks and make impressively high jumps.

Hare or rabbit as pets?

Unlike rabbits, which do not only exist as wild animals, keeping rabbits as pets is not permitted. Hares are protected and cannot be taken out of their natural habitat into human care. Breeding is therefore also prohibited.

By the way, any attempt to cross hares and rabbits would be doomed to failure: a hare has 48 chromosomes, while its smaller relative only has 44.

Are hares or rabbits endangered species?

Unfortunately, this has to be answered in the affirmative when it comes to rabbits. Not only is its food supply shrinking, but also its living space. Deforestation and reckless use of land are increasingly depriving him of the shelter he needs for himself and his offspring. Cars and agricultural machinery are additional sources of danger.

Rabbits are more flexible when it comes to choosing their habitat, as their spread into inner cities shows. Living together in groups also ensures that they reproduce more quickly than the rabbit, which is predominantly a solitary animal. They are not endangered species.

These are the main differences between hares and rabbits - now you are well prepared for discussions in professional circles. We hope you have a lively and interesting exchange and gain one or two insights!