This month, colourful spring flowers emerge, and the Algarve awakens from its winter slumber—and, in this particular year, dries out after persistent rain! Swallows have arrived, and thanks to the wet weather, the fields are especially green and filled with wildflowers. Trees are starting to blossom, and wildlife, in general, is becoming more active after the cold winter months.
The symbolism of rabbits, known for their prolific breeding, perfectly embodies themes of fertility, new beginnings, and the joyous spirit of Easter. Traditionally synonymous with spring, rabbits and hares together form a family of animals called Leporidae, which often causes some confusion. Sure, they look similar, in the same way, that a seal and a sea lion look alike, but a closer look at both appearance and behaviour will clear any doubts.
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) (main photo) is a species native to the Iberian Peninsula, the south of France and possibly the north of Africa. Famous for their successful breeding strategy, they are now found throughout most of Europe. Over time, rabbits were also introduced to the other continents (the exception being Asia and Antarctica) as livestock or for sport hunting, where they have spread and, in some cases, are now classed as a pest and a threat to local wildlife. In Portugal, the preoccupation is the exact opposite. Due to the spread of diseases such as myxomatosis, overhunting and habitat loss, our local wild rabbits saw a reduction in population by a staggering 80% from the historic maximum numbers.
A very cute-looking animal, the European rabbit has a greyish-brown fluffy fur with long ears and the tail shows a white underside. Their ideal habitat is grasslands and woodlands with plenty of places to hide. Very social animals, they dig large communal burrows called warrens where they spend most of their time when they are not feeding. Kittens are born inside the protection of the warren and are pretty defenceless at birth, furless and with their eyes closed. Outside, rabbits feed in groups and when threatened, they prefer to hide rather than run away.
The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), also known as the Granada hare is, as the name suggests, a native species of Portugal and Spain that, much like the European rabbit, was also introduced by man to other parts of the world.
Golden brown in colour, with a pale belly and white tail, the hare’s legs and ears are longer than rabbits. And they sit in a more upright and vigilant position than the inconspicuous rabbit. Their eyes are big and alert.
In Portugal, the Iberian hare lives in a very diverse range of habitats, from coastal marshlands to the highest points in Serra da Estrela, nearly two thousand metres above sea level. Solitary animals, they spend their lives above ground and rest in shallow dips called a form. Without the safety of a burrow, leverets (baby hares) are born fully furred with their eyes open and able to move independently shortly after birth. If in danger, hares will run rather than hide. Amongst the fastest mammals, hares can run speeds up to 72 kilometres per hour and zig-zag across the terrain to lose their chasers.
Together, these two species are an important link in their ecosystems, controlling vegetation and preying on other animals higher in the food chain. Hares and rabbits are the preferred food of some apex predators, such as the lynx, the wolf and the imperial eagle, as well as other less dominant carnivores like the fox or even the stoat.
Hare fun fact
You might have heard the expression “mad as a March hare”. The saying comes from the aggressive displays shown by hares at the beginning of the breeding season, typically in March. At this time, males can be seen literally boxing off their rivals with their front legs. This aggressive behaviour is also adopted by females to fend off unwanted partners.
Rabbit fun fact
The white underside of the rabbit’s tail is more visible when it runs, and it’s thought to warn other rabbits to run, too!
| European Rabbit | Brown Hare | |
| 2 Kilograms | Weight | 3.5 Kilograms |
| 40cm | Length | 47 cm |
| Long (no black tip) | Ears | Very long with black tips |
| Very social | Social | Solitary |
