Reproduction
The reproductive period for rabbits occurs from spring through mid-summer. There is a dominance between both male and female rabbit groups. Males will engage in a dance-like courtship to win over females. After mating, gestation occurs for approximately 28 days. Females can breed immediately after giving birth and may mate several times during the breeding season. They can have as many as five litters in a single season, with each litter containing anywhere from 1 to 8 bunnies. Females typically give little care, in fact most of their care is through after 21 days. However, the females do return occasionally at dusk and dawn to nurse. Additionally, the females may cover the young with grass to protect them from predators. At 2 to 4 weeks the young can eat and play on their own. At five weeks, the bunnies are independent. At four months, the young have matured to adults and can breed.
Mortality
Typically, rabbit populations suffer a high mortality rate. As much as 85% of the population may be lost in a single year. About 50% of the young survive long enough to leave the nest. Predators include foxes, minks, weasel, skunks, coyotes, dogs, owls, hawks, snakes, and man. Diseases include those from ticks mites, and viral skin tumors' especially tularemia. Other forms of mortality result from severe weather and poor habitat.
Home Range and Travel Habits
The home range of rabbits is usually very small. Typically, 4 to 10 acres is the farthest rabbits will venture. However, they may range up to 1 mile. There does seem to be variance between the sexes. Females usually stay within 15 acres, whereas males may range up to 100 acres. Dusk and dawn seem to be the active times of rabbits though they will move during other times of the day as well as at night. |
