Difference Between Rabbit and Hare

Rabbits and hares are often confused with each other due to their similar appearance. However, the two animals belong to different genera and have different characteristics in terms of physical characteristics, behavior, habitat and reproduction. Rabbits and hares are herbivores, feeding mainly on grass, leaves and bark. However, because hares adapt to open environments, they tend to eat harder vegetation, such as branches and buds.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between rabbits and hares in a structured and easy to understand way.

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Rabbit and hare: What is the difference?

rabbit

Rabbits are small and belong to the family’s furry mammals Leporidae and genus Oryctolagus (European rabbit) or Sylvilagus (Cottontail rabbit). They are known for their short ears, compact bodies and strong social nature. Rabbits are often found in caves and are known for their ability to reproduce quickly.

Hare

The hare also belongs to Leporidae Family, but classified as genus Macao. They are bigger than rabbits, with longer ears and legs, and are suitable for high-speed operation. Unlike rabbits, hares do not live in caves, but prefer open fields and grasslands, and they rely on speed to escape predators.

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The main differences between rabbits and hares

Rabbits and hares may belong to the same family, but vary greatly in terms of physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitat. Although rabbits are smaller, they prefer social animals that cave, and hares are larger lonely creatures built for speed. Here are the main differences that make them unique:

1. Appearance

The rabbit has short ears, compact body, and smaller hind legs. Their fur is usually softer and thicker.

The hare has longer ears, with black tips, a slender body, and long and powerful hind legs designed for quick running. Their fur is rough and changes color in certain species in different seasons.

2. Size and weight

Rabbits are usually smaller, with an average weight of 1-2 kg, depending on the species.

Hares are larger and usually weigh between 3-5 kg.

3. Birth and development

The rabbit gave birth to blind, hairless and helpless babies called kittens. They need weeks of parental care.

Hares are born to fully developed young people, called levers, and they are born in fur and open their eyes. They can move and yield within hours of birth.

4. Habitat and shelter

The rabbit is a cave dweller. They dug an underground tunnel called Warrens where they live.

Hares live in open fields and grass. Instead of digging holes, they create small depressions in the ground called “rest and hide among predators.”

5. Social behavior

Rabbits are social animals that live in colonies. They depend on the safety of the cave and the group for protection.

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Hares are lonely creatures who prefer to live alone except during mating season.

6. Speed ​​and agility

The rabbit is fast, but not built for long runs. They rely on fast and twisty movements to escape predators.

The hare is built for speed and can run up to 70 km/h, making it much faster than the rabbit.

7. Domestic

Rabbits have been domesticated for thousands of years and are usually preserved as pets. They were also cultivated with meat and fur.

Hares are wild animals that are domesticated due to their isolation and high energy levels.

Comparison table: Rabbit and Wild Rabbit

To better understand the differences between rabbits and hares, here is a side-by-side comparison of their physical characteristics, habitat, behavior, etc. The table highlights the key differences that separate these two closely related animals.

feature	rabbit	Hare
Science Family	Leporidae	Leporidae
Generic	sylvilagus oryctolagus	Macao
size	1-2 kg	3-5 kg
ear	Short	Black tips longer
leg	Short, for jumping	Long, for running
fur	Soft, even color	Rough, seasonal variation
born	Helpless, blind kitten	Fully developed, furry lever
Habitat	Underground Cave (Warrens)	Open the fields and make the shallow nest (form)
Social behavior	Living in a colony	Loneliness or pairing
speed	Medium tortuous movement	Very fast, up to 80 km/h
Domestic	Domestic and save as a pet	Wild, untamed

in conclusion

While rabbits and hares may look similar at first glance, there are significant differences in their physical characteristics, behaviors, and lifestyles. Rabbits are social, cave-inhabited animals, while hares are lonely and built for speed in open environments.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion