ForestHarvest: non-timber forest products in Scotland

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Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Description

Common burrowing rodent with long ears.

Habitat

Woodland margins, banks, agricultural land etc. Virtually ubiquitous in the countryside.

Uses

Rabbits make good eating. The fur is soft and warm and sometimes used for gloves etc.

Hunting

Commonly shot as a pest by farmers. Sold by game butchers. There is no closed season.

Photograph copyright Lorne Gill / Scottish Natural Heritage

Other information

Rabbits were brought to Britain by the Normans in the 12th century as a source of meat and fur.

More on the rabbit

Rabbit recipes

Advice for young rabbit hunters