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rabbits are one of the most recognizable mammals on the planet. They live on every continent except Antarctica, even inhabiting small islands in the Pacific Ocean and some parts of Japan. They are known for their large ears, smooth feet and impressive ability to make more of themselves; but how old do rabbits get and how old is the oldest rabbit ever? Here we discover the world’s oldest rabbit and her second.
Rabbit Wallpaper
There are only 29 species of wild rabbits in the world, but domestic breeders have created more than 300 breeds of rabbits as pets. As far as scientists and historians can tell, rabbits were first domesticated by the Romans, who probably bred them for their meat and hides (pelts). Today, rabbits are still raised in many parts of the world for the same reasons. They also found their way to our houses as pets.
Rabbits live almost everywhere humans live, and it’s no surprise that they’ve achieved this through some pretty spectacular breeding skills. Rabbits mature between three and four months of age, from there they can produce new rabbits up to ten times a year. Baby rabbits become ‘kits’, ‘kittens’ or ‘bunnies’, while adult females are ‘does’ and adult males are ‘bucks’.
Rabbits are not to be confused with hares, which have longer ears, larger bodies, and a coat that turns white in winter. In addition, many rabbits live in digs underground called ‘warrens’, while hares live above ground.
Rabbit lifespan: how long do rabbits live?
Wild rabbits have a maximum lifespan of only about three years, although most don’t make it that long. Because rabbits breed in such large numbers, many die young before reaching their first birthday.
In contrast, pet rabbits often live to be ten years old, with an average lifespan of eight to 12 years. This is because as pets, rabbits are almost always spayed or neutered and properly fed and cared for, giving them a huge edge over their wild cousins.
In the wild, most rabbits die young from predation or food scarcity. However, as pets or livestock, rabbits are protected and fed nutritious diets. wild rabbits food a combination of grass and herbs, while rabbits eat grass and leafy vegetables as pets, as well as various treats.
The oldest rabbit ever and her second place
The oldest rabbit ever recorded was an Australian rabbit named Flopsy, who lived to be 18 years, 10 months and 3 weeks old. Flopsy was captured by her owner in the wilds of Tasmania in 1964 and lived her life as a beloved pet.
The second oldest rabbit on record was a buck named Mick who lived outside of Chicago, Illinois. Mick (who died in late 2019) turned 16 on February 9, 2019.
Before Mick was (briefly) crowned the oldest living rabbit, a long-lived rabbit lived in Silver Run, Maryland. The rabbit, called heather, was estimated to be 15 to 16 years old before dying. As you can see, while the highest age of rabbit life is 12 years old, it is rare so they can live well into their teens.
Keeping rabbits as pets
Although rabbits have been kept for meat and fur for thousands of years, humans have only been breeding them as pets for the past 150 years. It all started in Victorian England when breeders selectively started breeding European rabbits for specific traits such as; coat colour, coat length, ear carriage (limpness), size and posture. The hobby quickly gained ground and by the 1920s, rabbit farms and show clubs were everywhere Europe and America.
Today there are 305 registered breeds of domestic rabbits, and many of these are bred specifically for one characteristic or another. Some people crave huge rabbits (some as tall as four feet) and some people like rabbits with long fur that brush the ground. One thing is certain, today’s pet rabbits come in just about every size, color and ear shape imaginable for a rabbit.
Five of the most popular rabbit breeds
- Dutch Dwarf Rabbit – Weighing in at under three pounds, this breed comes in a variety of colors and is known for its youthful appearance, even into adulthood.
- lion head rabbit — Appropriately called, this rabbit has a long fur fringe around its face and erect ears.
- Flemish giant – This breed is known for its size (up to 20 pounds!) and easygoing nature.
- Dutch lop — So named for their floppy or ‘clipped’ ears. This breed comes in many colors and tops out at four pounds, although they tend to be smaller.
- Rex Rabbit — These rabbits come in almost every color combination and have short, velvety fur and erect ears.
Threat and Conservation of Rabbits
Domestic rabbits may do well, but there are many species of wild rabbits that are critically endangered. There are currently 22 species of rabbits that are considered endangered or threatened. Most of these species are so-called “habitat specialists,” meaning they evolved to live in a very specific place or set of conditions. Once those conditions change, or their habitat disappears, these specialized rabbits quickly disappear:
- Riverine Rabbit — This species is native to South Africa. There are thought to be fewer than 250 in the wild. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to this rabbit.
- Amami Rabbit — Native to a few isolated Japanese islands. These rabbits are in danger of extinction due to predation by cats and mongoose, as well as habitat loss.
- Annamite Striped Rabbit — Discovered in 1999 and originating from Vietnam. As the name suggests, this rabbit has a stripe across its back. Hunting and habitat loss are the main threats.
- Volcano Rabbit — This rabbit is originally from Mexico. It gets its name from
t
he many types of calls it makes. Habitat loss and the warming climate are the biggest threats to this rabbit.
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