Family LEPORIDAE

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Introduction

The two species representing this family in Australia, Lepus capensis and Oryctolagus cuniculus, were introduced after the European settlement of the continent. Leporids are usually crepuscular or nocturnal and seldom vocalise except in fright, care of young or in fighting. They do produce a drumming sound by beating the hind feet on the ground. Rabbits and hares are almost completely herbivorous with caecotrophy known to occur in some species. Generally, most leporids are to a large degree solitary, although Oryctolagus is quite social and forms complex warren systems. Leporids are polyloestrus, ovulation is either spontaneous or induced and several litters may be produced in a year. The dental formula is usually 2/1, 0/0, 3/2, 3/3 = 28 although one upper molar is missing in some species. The upper incisors are continually growing, the second pair located directly behind the first. The maxillae are heavily fenestrated. The forelimbs are short and the hind limbs enlarged. Although pentadactyl, the first digit is reduced on both the fore- and hind limbs. Locomotion is a hop at low speed turning into bounds or leaps at higher speed. The ears are always longer than wide and the tail is abbreviated and curved upwards.

Leporids are widely distributed and occur naturally in all of the major faunal regions. Representatives of this family have been introduced also to New Zealand, North America, southern South America, Java and various Pacific and Atlantic islands, often with highly disruptive consequences.

General References

Myers, K., Parer, I. & Richardson, B.J. 1989. Leporidae. pp. 917-931 in Walton, D.W. & Richardson, B.J. (eds). Fauna of Australia. Mammalia. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 1B 827 pp.

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