Identification:
The wild rabbit weighs approximately 2-4 kg, with a body length of 380-500mm and a tail length of 65-80mm. The coat is soft and smooth. The head, upper neck, back, flanks, and upper rump are mottled or grayish-yellow. The belly is opaque white. The ears are slightly brown. The tail is short with slightly white hairs.
Biology and Ecology:
Wild rabbits inhabit sparse forests and shrub savannas with abundant grassy areas, most preferably the border zones between forests and grasslands near fields. They live in pairs or small groups, foraging on the ground and sleeping in bushes. They move quickly. Although they can run fast, they tire easily. They cannot climb. They forage from dusk until midnight. After feeding, they often gather to play on grasslands. Rabbits consume many young leaves and shoots of various forest plants (plants with white latex, plants in the Asteraceae family), and many cultivated plants (beans, peanuts, water spinach, etc.).
Wild rabbits breed from spring to autumn, with 3-4 litters per year. Gestation lasts 30 days, with each litter containing 2-4 young. The young become sexually mature after 6 months.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: This species is widely distributed in provinces from Quang Binh to Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, and Long An.
- Worldwide: South China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Uses:
Wild rabbits provide fur and meat (A rabbit can yield 0.2-0.3 m² of fur and 0.8-1 kg of meat).
Conservation Status:
The rabbit population remains abundant in the Central Highlands provinces. The natural development of rabbits is good. Conservation efforts are needed to increase the yield of forest products.