Rabbits Have Peg Teeth and Acid-Free Stomachs—Here’s What That Means

Rabbits, aka bunnies, are instantly recognizable little creatures that many of us have welcomed into our lives as pets. However, there is a lot more to this animal than the furry little creature sitting in a hutch in your backyard. There are approximately 29 recognized species of rabbit, classified into 10 genera within the Leporidae family of the Lagomorpha order, though the exact number may vary slightly depending on taxonomic revisions. They are found all over the world except in Antarctica.

There are 17 species of cottontails (Sylvilagus species) in North and South America alone. This includes the mountain cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) and the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis). Let’s explore 10 lesser-known facts about these fascinating little creatures.

Domestic Rabbit Heritage

There are currently 50 breeds of domestic rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Domestic rabbits are a domesticated form of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). They were first domesticated by the Romans for both food and fur. These early domestic rabbits were kept in large enclosures with walls that extended underground to prevent them from burrowing out.

Rabbits Are Not Rodents

Many people make the mistake of classifying rabbits as rodents along with rats and mice, but this is not the case. “They belong to a different order, the order of the Lagomorpha. This order also contains hares and pikas,” explains Dr. Kim Meijer, a veterinarian specializing in rabbits and other pets classed as exotic. “The main difference between rabbits and rodents is found in their teeth. Rabbits (Lagomorpha) have two sets of upper incisors, while rodents only have one set. Two of these incisors are large ones, and then there are 2 smaller ones behind them, called ‘peg teeth’. Rabbit teeth are open-rooted, meaning they grow continuously throughout the rabbit’s life. This is part of the reason why they need to eat a lot of hay, as the grinding motion helps wear down their teeth and prevents them from becoming too long and causing problems.”

Rabbits as Pets

Rabbits were not kept as pets until the 1800s. It was at this time that the domestic rabbit developed observable skeletal differences from wild European rabbits. Towards the end of the 19^th century, there were references to rabbits as house pets. Beatrix Potter famously wrote about her pet rabbits spending time inside her house and sleeping by the fire.

Intelligence Levels

“A fun fact about rabbits that not many people know is that they are very smart and you can teach them to perform tricks, almost like a dog,” says Dr. Meijer. “One of the best tricks you can teach your rabbit is a high five. Often, they can be taught this trick in a few short sessions with treats. Another great trick is to get them to spin, which is even easier to teach them.”

Genomic Sequencing

There are around 1.6 million described species on Earth. As of June 2021, only 3,278 of them have had their nuclear genome sequenced, and the European rabbit was one of them. What’s more, the gene sequence is publicly available. Their mitochondrial DNA, which is found in a cell organelle, has also been sequenced.

Vomiting Is Not an Option for Rabbits

“A medical fact that not many people know about rabbits is that they are unable to vomit,” shares Dr. Meijer. “Their digestive tract is only a one-way system. The stomach of the rabbit has a very strong sphincter muscle, where the esophagus enters the stomach, which prevents them from being able to vomit. For this reason, it is very important to make sure your rabbit doesn’t eat anything it shouldn’t, as we can’t induce vomiting as we can in dogs and cats.”

Australia Has a Rabbit Issue

Rabbits are not an indigenous species of Australia. In 1788, the First Fleet brought five domestic rabbits to Sydney, and decades later, they were commonly bred in homes. Initially, these domestic rabbits did not establish wild populations, but during the second half of the 19th century, rabbit populations increased dramatically and spread across the country. This ‘invasion’ has been traced back to English rabbits imported in 1859 by a settler named Thomas Austin. Crucially, genetic studies have shown that these imported rabbits had wild ancestry, which made them better adapted to live in the natural environment.

Pet Rabbits Are Banned in Queensland, Australia

In parts of Australia, the invasive rabbit populations are viewed as destructive pests. In 1996, rabbits were estimated to cost the nation at least $600 million annually in lost agricultural production. Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, pet rabbits are banned in Queensland. The fine for keeping one is $71,875, and owners are required to surrender pet rabbits to an Animal Management Centre.

Incredible Breeding Rates

The European rabbit has one of the highest recorded reproductive rates of all the mammals. They become sexually mature at just a few months of age. Their pregnancies last for only 31-33 days, and they can produce large litters. With an intensive breeding program (which is not ethical), a single doe can produce up to 60 offspring a year. However, such high reproductive rates are necessary for the species’ survival in the wild. In the wild, rabbits typically live for just 12-15 months, and only 15 percent make it through the first year. Just 1 in 100 makes it to three years old.

Releasing Pet Rabbits Into the Wild Is Not Kind

It’s easy to feel sorry for a rabbit confined to a cage all day. However, if you can no longer care for your pet rabbit, releasing it into the wild is not a kind or humane option. Domestic rabbits have changed a lot compared to wild European rabbits. They do not have the skills to survive in the wild, and even their diet is different from that of wild rabbits. Always surrender unwanted rabbits to a recognized small pet rescue organization.

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