World Lagomorph Society
@WorldLagomorph
The World Lagomorph Society (WLS) is an association, whose main goal is to bring people interested in lagomorphs (rabbits, hares and pikas) closer.
📣8th World Lagomorph Conference UPDATED LOCATION!!!📣 We are very excited to announce that our 8th World Lagomorph Conference will now be held June 22-26, 2026, in Seville, Spain at the Universidad de Sevilla.🐰🇪🇸
A new study explored how domestication and feralization reshape rabbit skulls. The results pinpointed that domestication softened some cranial features, while feral rabbits present an intermediate morphology between wild and domestic. #evolution #rabbits doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2…
A new study shows wild rabbits in N. Africa are key hosts for ticks like Hyalomma lusitanicum and Rhipicephalus pusillus. Tick load peaks in spring, mirroring local abundance. Results highlight rabbits' importance in pathogen cycles. #OneHealth doi.org/10.1371/journa…
A new study on New England cottontails diet showed they prefer native plants high in phenolics and ash. These results corroborate these animals are generalist herbivores, but plant defences and whether the plants are native play a role in diet selection. doi.org/10.1093/jmamma…
A pilot study explored how pet rabbits behave when first introduced to a potential companion. Findings show social behaviours vary widely, highlighting the need for careful pairing. #RabbitBehavior #AnimalWelfare doi.org/10.21825/vdt.9…
A new study mapped the vertebral muscles of wild European rabbits and hares, revealing subtle asymmetries between the pair of species and key differences from other model mammals. These findings call for updates to current anatomical terminology. doi.org/10.1002/ar.700…
USDA detects wild desert cottontail with bird flu in Maricopa County AZ after commercial egg layer HPAI outbreak. Rabbits are herbivores, likely due to environmental contamination @micheltkohl @pygmyrabbitgirl @HouseRabbit @WorldLagomorph @CornellCWHL @WildlifeDisease
A new study on European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) supports the pursuit-deterrence hypothesis: tail-flagging signals to predators that they've been detected, reducing the chance of an attack. #rabbit #predation #ecology doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7…
Researchers analyzed rabbit populations across Indonesia, using morphometrics and genetic markers to assess diversity. Results showed significant regional variation, offering valuable insights for breeding and conservation of Oryctolagus cuniculus. doi.org/10.24036/tg.v5…
Domestic European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) may act as a viral “super-highway,” to spread emerging diseases to wild lagomorphs. A new study highlights their global distribution and interactions as key risk factors for cross-species viral spillover. doi.org/10.1155/tbed/1…
A new study used third-generation sequencing to analyse the gut microbiome of European brown hares, . Over 3,000 unique species were identified,highlighting the power of long-read tech for wildlife conservation. doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.… #microbiome #wildlifeconservation
A new study in a farm, found Haemaphysalis howletti infesting rabbits, with 100% prevalence in early autumn. Tick presence led to blood cell changes and 31% Anaplasma infection, highlighting rabbits as potential reservoirs of tick-borne zoonotic diseases. doi.org/10.3126/jafu.v…
How does the antelope jackrabbit beat the desert heat? This species at cooler temps, increases heat conductance to lose warmth efficiently, but when the air is hotter than its body, it minimizes conductance to block heat gain. doi.org/10.1002/jcp.10…
And the antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni) takes the spot as May’s species of the month. This species inhabits western USA and Mexico and is easily recognized by its large ears.🏅🐰
A new study used NGS to profile the nasal microbiome of healthy pet rabbits from California and Alabama, revealing rich bacterial and fungal diversity. Mycoplasmawas found in 76% of rabbits, with 23 fungal taxa more common in California. doi.org/10.1053/j.jepm…
A new study on snowshoe hares reveals how seasonal changes affect their health and survival. Hares in Alaska showed nutrient drops and lower survival in spring/fall, but improved condition in summer. doi.org/10.1007/s00360…
Which species deserves May's Lagomorph of the Month title? 🐇🌼
A new study reflects about the importance of islands for the conservation of New England cottontail, revealing how islands with no predators can be used for conservation goals. doi.org/10.1002/jwmg.7… 📸Doug Hitchcox
A new study in rabbits compares MKB vs. Zenalpha® combo (ZKB) for IM anesthesia. ZKB caused lower blood pressure & higher heart rate, thus raising safety concerns. Anesthesia onset was slower with ZKB, but recovery was similar.🐇💉 doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc…
