By Adrienne A. Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT
Cottonbro studio / Pexels
If you happen to’re questioning what the distinction between a bunny and a rabbit is, you’re not alone. Do these phrases imply the identical factor, or is one solely acceptable for a sure age or sort of animal? Discover out if there’s a distinction and, if that’s the case, what that distinction is, so you should use the right terminology when referring to your fluffy pet.
Are Bunnies and Rabbits Totally different?
There isn’t a distinction between bunnies and rabbits — the phrase “bunny” is simply one other phrase for rabbit. The principle distinction between using the phrase bunny versus rabbit is that many individuals describe small or child rabbits as bunnies. Nevertheless it’s additionally not flawed to name bigger or grownup rabbits “bunnies” — and lots of rabbit house owners use the phrase as a time period of endearment for his or her mature rabbits. It’s value noting that “bunny” is a time period used for each domesticated and wild rabbits.
Bunny vs. Rabbit vs. Hare
So, if bunnies and rabbits are the identical, what units them aside from hares? Let’s soar into what makes a rabbit a real rabbit.
What’s a Rabbit?
A rabbit is a furry mammal with lengthy ears, highly effective hind legs, and a fluffy tail that appears like a cotton ball. There are each domesticated and wild rabbits. Domesticated rabbit breeds are present in houses internationally as pets in addition to on farms the place they’re raised for meals. The American Rabbit Breeders Affiliation (ARBA) has acknowledged 49 totally different breeds of home rabbits. “Oryctolagus cuniculus” is the Latin species title for all domesticated rabbits, no matter their breed. They’re a part of the order “Lagomorpha” and the household “Leporidae” however usually are not the identical as hares or wild rabbits.
Rabbits can dwell a mean of eight years, however their lifespans fluctuate tremendously. One pet rabbit is even recorded to have lived to be 18 years previous, however most dwell to be between 5 and 10 years. Rabbits could also be known as bunnies their total lives.
What’s a Hare?
Hares and wild rabbits are a part of the identical order and household as home rabbits however have totally different genera. There are two varieties of untamed rabbits: Cottontail rabbits and Pygmy rabbits. Wild Cottontail rabbits are a part of the genus “Sylvilagus,” and wild Pygmy rabbits are a part of the genus “Brachylagus.” Lastly, hares, also called “jackrabbits,” are a part of the genus “Lepus.” Hares have longer ears than most rabbits and 48 chromosomes, whereas rabbits have 44. Wild rabbits and hares might all even be known as bunnies.
Hares sometimes have a lifespan of about three to 5 years within the wild, though some might dwell longer in captivity. Components similar to habitat, predation, and availability of meals can affect their lifespan.
Is it Appropriate to Say Bunny?
The phrase bunny has just a few totally different meanings, one in all which is a casual phrase for rabbit. Whereas it’s appropriate to name a rabbit a bunny, nevertheless, it isn’t the formal phrase for animals within the “Leporidae” household. You’ll be able to name a rabbit of any age a bunny and also can discuss with male rabbits as “bucks” and woman rabbits as “does.”
Different phrases which might be used when referring to rabbits:
- Coney (an previous time period for rabbit)
- Lapin (French for rabbit)
- Bunny rabbit (usually utilized by youngsters)
What Are Child Rabbits Referred to as?
Child rabbits are typically known as bunnies, however the technical time period is “equipment.” The phrase is derived from the phrase “kitten,” however this longer title is just not generally used. When a rabbit provides start, it’s referred to as “kindling,” and as much as 15 kits might be born in a litter. All rabbit kits are born with out fur, and their eyes and ears are sealed shut. As they develop, bunnies develop fur and are in a position to see and listen to. At about six to eight weeks of age, a equipment can go away their mom and survive on their very own, so that you gained’t discover a bunny on the market or adoption that’s any youthful than this.
References
Research in Mammalian Spermatogenesis VI. The Chromosomes of the Rabbit
Residing with wildlife: Rabbits
Division of Pure Assets: Cottontail Rabbit
Child Bunnies Greatest Left in Nest
Adrienne Kruzer is an achieved veterinary technician and author with over 15 years of hands-on expertise caring for home and unique animals.
