rabbit, Pentalagus furnessi Genus Poelagus Central African Rabbit, Poelagus marjorita Genus Romerolagus Volcano rabbit, Romerolagus diazi Genus Sylvilagus Swamp rabbit, Sylvilagus aquaticus Desert cottontail, Sylvilagus audubonii Brush rabbit, Sylvilagus bachmani Forest rabbit, Sylvilagus brasiliensis Mexican cottontail, Sylvilagus cunicularis Dice's cottontail, Sylvilagus dicei Eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus Tres Marias rabbit, Sylvilagus graysoni Omilteme cottontail, Sylvilagus insonus San Jose brush rabbit, Sylvilagus mansuetus Mountain cottontail, Sylvilagus nuttallii Marsh rabbit, Sylvilagus palustris New England cottontail, Sylvilagus transitionalis Differences from hares The term rabbit is typically used for all Leporidae species excluding the genus Lepus. Members of that genus are instead known as hares or jackrabbits. Lepus species are typically precocial, born relatively mature and mobile with hair and good vision, while rabbit species are altricial, born hairless and blind, and requiring closer care. Hares live a relatively solitary life in a simple nest above the ground, while most rabbits live in social groups in burrows or warrens. Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with ears that are more elongated, and with hind legs that are larger and longer. Descendants of the European rabbit are commonly bred as livestock and kept as pets, whereas no hares have been domesticated – the breed called the Belgian hare is actually a domestic rabbit which has been selectively bred to resemble a hare. Domestication Rabbits have long been domesticated. Beginning in the Middle Ages, the European rabbit has been widely kept as livestock, starting in ancient Rome. Selective breeding has generated a wide variety of rabbit breeds, of which many (since the early 19th century) are also kept as pets. Some strains of rabbit have been bred specifically as research subjects. As livestock, rabbits are bred for their meat and fur. The earliest breeds were important sources of meat, and so became larger than wild rabbits, but domestic rabbits in modern times range in size from dwarf to giant. Rabbit fur, prized for its softness, can be found in a broad range of coat colors and patterns, as well as lengths. The Angora rabbit breed, for example, was developed for its long, silky fur, which is often hand-spun into yarn. Other domestic rabbit breeds have been developed primarily for the commercial fur trade, including the Rex, which has a short plush coat. Biology Evolution Because the rabbit's epiglottis is engaged over the soft palate except when swallowing, the rabbit is an obligate nasal breather. Rabbits have two