Rabbit: Difference between revisions
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You've got more rabbit than sainsubry's. |
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{{otheruses}} |
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{{Taxobox |
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| color = pink |
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| name = Rabbit |
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| image = Sylvilagus audubonii.jpg |
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| image_width = 250px |
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| image_caption = [[Desert Cottontail]] (''Sylvilagus audubonii'') |
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| regnum = [[Animal]]ia |
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| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] |
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| classis = [[Mammal]]ia |
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| ordo = [[Lagomorpha]] |
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| familia = [[Leporidae]] |
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| subdivision_ranks = Genera |
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| subdivision = |
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''[[Pentalagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[Bunolagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[Nesolagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[Romerolagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[Brachylagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[Sylvilagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[European Rabbit|Oryctolagus]]''<br /> |
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''[[Poelagus]]'' |
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}} |
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'''Rabbits''' are small [[mammal]]s in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Leporidae]], found in many parts of the world. They are sometimes affectionately known as '''bunnies''' or '''bunny rabbits''', especially by [[children]]. There are seven different [[genus|genera]] in the family [[taxonomy|classified]] as rabbits, including the [[European Rabbit]] (''Oryctolagus cuniculus''), [[cottontail rabbit]]s (genus ''Sylvilagus''; 13 [[species]]), and the [[Amami Rabbit]] (''Pentalagus furnessi'', an [[endangered species]] on [[Amami Oshima]], [[Japan]]). There are many other species of rabbit, and these, along with cottontails, pikas and hares make up the Order Lagomorpha. Rabbits generally live for about 4-10 years. |
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==Hares (differences from)== |
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{{main|Hare}} |
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Rabbits are clearly distinguished from the related [[hare]]s in that rabbits are [[altricial]], having young that are born [[blindness|blind]] and [[hair|hairless]]; many also live underground in [[burrow]]s or [[Warren (domestic)|warrens]]. |
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==Humans' relationship with rabbits== |
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Humans' relationship with the European or ‘true’ rabbit was first recorded by the Phoenicians over 1,000 years BC, when they termed the [[Iberian Peninsula]] ‘i-shephan-im’ (literally, ‘the land of the rabbit’),which the Romans converted to the Latin form, "Hispania," and hence the modern word "Spain." |
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The [[European Rabbit]] (''[[Oryctolagus cuniculus]]'') is the only species of rabbit to be domesticated. All pet breeds of rabbits - such as dwarf lops, angoras, etc. - are of this species. However, rabbits and people interact in many different ways beyond [[domestication]]. Rabbits are an example of an [[animal]] which is treated as food, pet and pest by the same culture. |
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When used for food, rabbits are both hunted and raised for meat. [[trapping|Snare]]s or [[gun]]s along with [[dog]]s are usually employed when catching wild rabbits for food. In many areas rabbits are also raised for meat, a practice called [[cuniculture]]. Rabbit [[pelt]]s are sometimes used as part of accessories, such as scarves or hats. Rabbits are also very good producers of manure; their urine, being high in nitrogen, makes lemon trees very productive. Their milk may also be of great medicinal (see links below) or nutritional benefit due to its high protein content. |
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There are a number of health issues associated with the use of rabbits for meat, one of which is [[Tularemia]] or Rabbit Fever. Another is so-called [[rabbit starvation]], due most likely to essential [[amino acid]] deficiencies in rabbit meat and synthesis limitations in human beings. |
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* [http://www.advance.uconn.edu/1997/970214/02149707.htm "Altered rabbit milk can help cure disease"] by David Pesci |
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* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/852647.stm "Rabbit milk saves babies"], BBC News, 28 July 2000 |
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* [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=20014704&dopt=Citation "Human acid alpha-glucosidase from rabbit milk has therapeutic effect in mice with glycogen storage disease type II"] |
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==Domestic rabbits== |
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{{mainarticle|Domestic rabbit}} |
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A healthy indoor pet rabbit can live 6-12 years. They enjoy throwing around toys and chewing on cardboard. In some instances, they can even become good friends with cats and dogs. Though they are often caged in small areas, they can be free roaming pets similar to cats and dogs, often called 'house rabbits'. Large, inexpensive cages can be custom made from 'Idea-cubes', which can be found in many department stores. |
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Female pet rabbits may be spayed. There are some health and behaviour benefits from the neutering of male rabbits. If left un-neutered, male rabbits may spray urine in order to mark territory. Most rabbits can be aggressive towards other rabbits unless an effort is made to bond the two over time, spaying/neutering both parties may help make this process successful. It is not a good idea to simply put two rabbits together in the same cage and assume that they will get along. Even normally docile rabbits can become violent when left with an unbonded partner. |
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[[Image:HOmeRabbit_picture.jpg|thumb|left|Domestic Rabbit]] |
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Unlike [[cats]], rabbits cannot be [[Onychectomy|declawed]]. Lacking pads on the bottoms of their feet, rabbits require their claws for balance, and declawing a rabbit will render it unable to stand, permanently crippling it. |
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Provided they are well cared for, rabbits can make friendly and playful pets. They are widely kept throughout the world, both indoors and out. Rabbits kept indoors are typically healthier and more social than rabbits kept outdoors. Housed indoors and provided with adequate damage-proofing (especially of electrical cables and house plants that may be toxic), rabbits are relatively safe from predators, parasites, disease, and temperature extremes. Rabbits kept outdoors must be provided with shelter, this shelter may be heated in winter (but many rabbits can be kept outside with extra bedding even into temperatures below freezing), but must be shaded in summer. Domesticated rabbits are most comfortable in temperatures between 10 to 21 degrees Celsius (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit), and cannot endure temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) without assistance such as fans, frozen water bottles, and deep shade. Veterinarians specializing in rabbits recommend a diet consisting of clean water, a small amount of commercial pellets and unlimited grass hay daily. Other vegetables (up to 2 cups per 5 pounds of body weight) may be fed such as: romaine lettuce (not iceberg), parsley, cilantro, dandelion, and basil. Carrots and fruits should be used sparingly. As commercial feeds are balanced to provide all of the daily nutrients that a rabbit needs, fresh vegetables are not needed daily. They should be fed sparingly and as a treat. |
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Domestic rabbits should be checked daily as infections and illnesses can occur very quickly. Teeth should not be too long because if they are the rabbit cannot eat. Do not attempt to grind or clip a rabbit's teeth; one is advised to seek a veterinarian. A rabbit's teeth can grow up to five inches a year, but must be worn down to maintain a healthy bite. Rabbits will wear down their teeth best if given a harder commercial pellet to chew. A rabbit's [[vibrissae|whiskers]] are a major sensory organ and should never be clipped. |
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The eyes should be clean with no crusts evident. Ears also should be clean along with any other part of the rabbit. |
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They can also be put to sleep on their backs by making sure the head is lower than the body. Safe handling of rabbits may be taught by rabbit breeders and specialists in your area. In the United States, the American Rabbit Breeders Association is a valuable resource for both pet and commercial breeders.In Britain, the British Rabbit Council contains valuable information as well. |
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==Environmental problems with rabbits== |
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{{seealso|Rabbits in Australia}} |
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Rabbits have also been a source of environmental problems when introduced into the wild by humans. Because of their appetites, and the rate at which they breed, wild rabbit depredation can prove problematic for agriculture. [[Gas]]sing, barriers (fences), shooting, snaring and [[ferret]]ing have been used to control rabbit populations, but most effective are diseases such as [[myxomatosis]] ('myxo' for short), and calicivirus. In Europe, where rabbits are farmed on a large scale, they are protected against myxomatosis and calicivirus with a genetically modified virus. The virus was developed in Spain, and is beneficial to rabbit farmers. If it were to make its way into wild populations in areas such as Australia, this could create a population boom, since those diseases are the major threats to the rabbits' survival. |
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== Classification == |
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Rabbits and hares were formerly classified in the order [[Rodentia]] (rodent) until [[1912]], when they were moved into a new order [[Lagomorpha]]. This order, in addition to containing rabbits and hares, also includes the [[pika]]s. |
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Order '''[[Lagomorpha]]''' |
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* Family '''[[Leporidae]]''' |
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** Genus ''[[Amami Rabbit|Pentalagus]]'' |
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*** [[Amami Rabbit|Amami Rabbit/Ryukyu Rabbit]], ''Pentalagus furnessi'' |
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** Genus ''[[Bushman Rabbit|Bunolagus]]'' |
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*** [[Bushman Rabbit]], ''Bunolagus monticularis'' |
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** Genus ''[[Sumatra Short-Eared Rabbit|Nesolagus]]'' |
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*** [[Sumatra Short-Eared Rabbit]], ''Nesolagus netscheri'' |
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*** [[Annamite Rabbit]], ''Nesolagus timminsi'' |
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** Genus ''[[Volcano Rabbit|Romerolagus]]'' |
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*** [[Volcano Rabbit]], ''Romerolagus diazi'' |
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** Genus ''[[Pygmy Rabbit|Brachylagus]]'' |
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*** [[Pygmy Rabbit]], ''Brachylagus idahoensis'' |
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** Genus ''[[Sylvilagus]]'' |
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*** [[Forest Rabbit]], ''Sylvilagus brasiliensis'' |
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*** [[Dice's Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus dicei'' |
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*** [[Brush Rabbit]], ''Sylvilagus bachmani'' |
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*** [[San Jose Brush Rabbit]], ''Sylvilagus mansuetus'' |
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*** [[Swamp Rabbit]], ''Sylvilagus aquaticus'' |
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*** [[Marsh Rabbit]], ''Sylvilagus palustris'' |
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*** [[Eastern Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus floridanus'' |
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*** [[New England Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus transitionalis'' |
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*** [[Mountain Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus nuttallii'' |
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*** [[Desert Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus audubonii'' |
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*** [[Omilteme Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus insonus'' |
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*** [[Mexican Cottontail]], ''Sylvilagus cunicularis'' |
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*** [[Tres Marias Rabbit]], ''Sylvilagus graysoni'' |
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** Genus ''[[European Rabbit|Oryctolagus]]'' |
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*** [[European Rabbit]], ''Oryctolagus cuniculus'' |
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** Genus ''[[Central African Rabbit|Poelagus]]'' |
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*** [[Central African Rabbit]], ''Poelagus marjorita'' |
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** 3 other genera in family, regarded as [[hare]]s, not rabbits |
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== Rabbits in culture and literature == |
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Rabbits are often used as a symbol of [[fertility]] or rebirth. It is possible that as a consequence of this that they have been associated with spring and [[Easter]] as the [[Easter Bunny]]. The species' role as a prey animal also lends itself as a symbol of innocence as an animal that seems to wish harm on no one, another Easter connotation. In addition, the animal is often used as a symbol of playful [[Human sexuality|sexuality]], which plays off of its perceived image of innocence, as well as its reputation as a prolific breeder. {{See|Playboy Bunny}} |
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It is also a common folklore archetype of the [[trickster]] who uses his cunning to outwit his enemies. Well-known examples of this are the [[Br'er Rabbit]] character from African-American folktales and the [[Warner Brothers]] [[cartoon]] character [[Bugs Bunny]]. |
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In the [[folklore of the United States]], a [[rabbit's foot]] is frequently carried as an [[amulet]], and is often made into a [[keychain]], where it is thought to bring [[luck]]. The practice derives from the system of [[African-American]] [[magic (paranormal)|folk magic]] called ''[[hoodoo]]''. |
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Anthropomorphic rabbits have appeared in a [[List of fictional rabbits|host of works]] of film, literature, and technology, notably the White Rabbit in [[Lewis Carroll]]'s ''[[Alice's Adventures in Wonderland]]''; [[Cream the Rabbit]] from the ''[[Sonic the Hedgehog]]'' video game series; in the popular novel ''[[Watership Down]],'' by [[Richard Adams (author)|Richard Adams]]; and in [[Beatrix Potter]]'s works such as [[Peter Rabbit]]. |
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It is commonly believed that a rabbit, if injected with a woman's urine, will expire if the woman is [[pregnant]]. This is not true. However, in the [[1920s]] it was discovered that if the injected urine contained the hormone [[human chorionic gonadotropin|hCG]], a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women, the rabbit would display ovarian changes. The rabbit would indeed need to be killed to have its [[ovaries]] inspected, but the [[death]] of the rabbit was not the indicator of the results. Later revisions of the [[Rabbit Test|test]] allowed technicians to inspect the ovaries without [[animal euthanasia|euthanizing]] the rabbit. |
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In [[Culture of Japan|Japanesese tradition]], rabbits live on the [[Moon]] where they make [[mochi]] — the popular snack of mashed [[Glutinous rice|sticky rice]]. This comes from interpreting the pattern of dark patches on the moon as a rabbit standing on tiptoes on the left pounding on an [[usu]], a Japanese mortar. A pop culture manifestation of this tradition can be found in the character known as [[Sailor Moon]], whose name is Usagi, [[Japanese language|Japanese]] for "rabbit". Similarly, Japanese-American [[Stan Sakai]]'s comic book character of [[Usagi Yojimbo]] is an anthropomorphic samurai rabbit based loosely on Japanese swordsman [[Miyamoto Musashi]]. |
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In [[Chinese literature]], rabbits also accompany [[Chang'e (mythology)|Chang'e]] on the Moon. Also associated with the [[Chinese New Year]] (or [[Lunar New Year]]), [[Rabbit (zodiac)|rabbits]] are also one of the twelve celestial animals in the [[Chinese Zodiac]] for the [[Chinese calendar]]. It is interesting to note that the Vietnamese lunar new year replaced the rabbit with a cat in their calendar, since rabbits did not exist in Vietnam. |
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== See also == |
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*[[Domestic rabbit]] |
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*[[Jackalope]] |
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*[[List of fictional rabbits]] |
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*[[Rabbits in Australia]] |
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== External links == |
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{{commons|Rabbit}} |
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{{cookbook}} |
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*[http://www.arba.net 'American Rabbit Breeders Association'] Association dedicated to the promotion, development, and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy. |
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*[http://www.thebrc.org 'British Rabbit Council'] British website that offers information for pet owners as well as fanciers. |
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* http://www.muridae.com/rabbits/rabbittalk.html The Language of Lagomorphs |
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* http://www.bunniwerks.org/symbols.htm Rabbits as Cultural Symbols in Narrative |
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* http://www.bunniwerks.org/lore.htm Rabbits as Archetypal Symbols in Literature |
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* [http://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/rrRabbits.html 'The Symbolism of Rabbits and Hares'] - Rabbits and Hares in Myth and Folklore |
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* [http://www.medirabbit.com 'Medirabbit'] A site dedicated to spreading the knowledge of rabbit medicine and safe medication in rabbits, for the owner and the vet professional. |
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<!--Leporidae--> |
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[[Category:Leporids]] |
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[[Category:Rabbits as pets]] |
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[[Category:Meat]] |
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[[an:Coniello]] |
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[[ast:Coneyu]] |
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[[ca:Conill]] |
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[[cy:Cwningen]] |
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[[da:Vildkanin]] |
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[[de:Kaninchen]] |
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[[el:Κουνέλι]] |
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[[es:Conejo]] |
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[[eo:Kuniklo]] |
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[[fa:خرگوش]] |
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[[fr:Lapin]] |
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[[gl:Coello]] |
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[[io:Kuniklo]] |
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[[ms:Arnab]] |
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[[nah:Tochtli]] |
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[[nl:Konijn]] |
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[[ja:ウサギ]] |
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[[no:Kanin]] |
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[[pl:Królik]] |
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[[pt:Coelho]] |
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[[ru:Кролики]] |
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[[simple:Rabbit]] |
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[[sr:Зец]] |
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[[th:กระต่าย]] |
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[[chr:ᏥᏍᏚ]] |
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[[zh:兔]] |
Revision as of 10:15, 12 September 2006
You've got more rabbit than sainsubry's.