The Hidden Global Reach of Rabbits

While they seem like simple backyard animals, almost every domestic rabbit on Earth traces its roots back to a single species from the Iberian Peninsula. These European rabbits have since conquered every continent except Antarctica.

It is fascinating that despite the massive variety of bunny breeds we see today, they all descend from the European rabbit. Humans introduced these resilient creatures to new environments across the globe, forever altering local ecosystems. Beyond our homes and farms, there are many unique wild species like the tiny pygmy rabbit or the rare Sumatran striped rabbit. Their ability to thrive in such diverse climates makes them one of the most successful mammals in history.