Rabbit (Oryctolargus cuniculus)

http://www.apbc.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/rabbit2.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Rabbit is a very common part of the British countryside, and can often be seen hopping around in social groups.
Rabbits burrow underground inside structures known as warrens, in groups of up to 10 individuals, and can run at fast pace if required to.

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02365/rabbit_2365230b.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Rabbit is not a native species to the UK, however it has been a fixture of the environment for 1000's of years, as they were introduced to the land via the Normans.
The Rabbit can be used as a source of food, fur, as well as a way to maintain grassland, in similar ways to how goats/sheep are used.

http://www.earthtimes.org/newsimage/increasing-wild-rabbit-survival-supplemental-food_155.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Rabbit is generally both a loved, and a hated animal, and this view is split my many.

People who tend to dislike the Rabbit, see them as a pest, and it is commonly farmers and gardeners, as the Rabbit often feasts on farmland which devastates crops, and the Rabbit, because of this, is often culled by farmers.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/Rabbit_in_montana.jpg < image reference at this link.

the Rabbit can be seen all year around, but more frequently at nighttime, and can be spotted in such locations as fields, gardens, parks, and meadows.
The Rabbit can breed very quickly, meaning that their populations can spiral out of control.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Environment/Pix/columnists/2013/5/1/1367432759719/Country-Diary-Archive--Yo-008.jpg < image reference at this link.

I want to include the Rabbit in my zine, because they are a very common species found across the country, and although they are not strictly native, they are defiantly a part of British culture, and heritage, as they have been on the mainland for 1000's of years.
They have also inspired such artists who influence me, for example Beatrix Potter, who based a lot of her stories and characters on Rabbits.

https://sandrasanchezherreros.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/peter-rabbit1.jpg < image reference at this link.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/wildlifegarden/atoz/r/rabbit.aspx







Thomas.