Rabbit
Coinín
There weren’t always rabbits in Ireland! Rabbits were introduced to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century and are now common throughout our island. Rabbits love to make burrows (dig holes) which is why their Latin name, cuniculus, means underground.
Rabbits have up to ten babies in every litter. Rabbit babies are born with no fur and are blind. Unfortunately, most wild rabbits don’t even live to the age of two, although pet rabbits can live to ten years old or even more.
Do you have a pet rabbit?
Hares
Giorria
The Irish hare is one of our true native mammals and is found only in Ireland. The coat of the Irish hare may vary in colour throughout the year, developing white patches, sometimes they can even become fully white. These hares are usually found in wild grasslands.
Hares only have about 2 babies in every litter. Unlike rabbits, hares are born fully furred and with their eyes open.
Lets look at more differences between Rabbits and Hares
| Hares | Rabbits |
|
There are not so many hares left |
There are still a lot of rabbits |
|
Adults weigh 2.5 – 3.5 Kg |
Adults weigh 1.5 – 2 Kg |
|
Hares live above ground |
Rabbits live underground |
|
Hares are picky eaters |
Rabbits can adapt to different types of food |
|
Hares do not breed in their first year |
Rabbits can breed from the age of three months |
|
Born fully furred with eyes open |
Born with no fur and eyes shut |
|
Young hares are called leverets and weigh around 120 grams at birth |
Young rabbits are called kittens and weigh around 50 grams at birth |
| Hares may only live about 3 years in the wild | Rabbits live for around 1.5 years in the wild |