Leporids

Leporids are mammals in the family Leporidae, within the order Lagomorpha. They include rabbits, hares, and their close relatives. A distinguishing feature of leporids is their dental arrangement: four incisors in the upper jaw (two large front incisors and two small behind them), growing continuously, which aids their herbivorous diet and constant gnawing.

The family comprises two main groups commonly referred to as rabbits and hares. Rabbits, represented by genera such as Oryctolagus and Sylvilagus, are typically smaller and spend much of their time in burrows or grassy nests. Their young are altricial at birth, blind and hairless. Hares, in the genus Lepus, are usually larger and live above ground in simple forms or open areas; their offspring are precocial, born with fur and open eyes.

Leporids are distributed worldwide except Antarctica, occupying diverse habitats from deserts and grasslands to forests and tundra. They are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses, leaves, bark, and other vegetation. Reproduction can be prolific, with many species producing multiple litters per year, a trait that helps sustain populations despite high predation.

Taxonomically, Leporidae includes several genera such as Oryctolagus, Sylvilagus, and Lepus. The domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, is descended from the European rabbit and is widely kept as a livestock animal and household pet in addition to its wild relatives.

Conservation concerns for leporids arise from habitat loss, hunting, and disease. Outbreaks of diseases such as rabbit hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis have affected populations in some regions, highlighting the need for monitoring and habitat protection.