The European rabbit or common rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is
a species of rabbit native to southwestern Europe (Spain and
Portugal) and northwest Africa (Morocco and Algeria). It has
been widely introduced elsewhere, often with devastating effects
on local biodiversity. However, its decline in its native range
(caused by the diseases myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus, as
well as overhunting and habitat loss), has caused the decline of
its highly dependent predators, the Iberian lynx and the Spanish
Imperial eagle. It is known as an invasive species because it
has been introduced to countries on all continents with the
exception of Antarctica and sub-Saharan Africa, and caused many
problems within the environment and ecosystems, as well.
Australia has the most problems with European rabbits, due to
the lack of natural predators there. The European rabbit is well
known for digging networks of burrows, called warrens, where it
spends most of its time when not feeding. Unlike the related
hares (Lepus spp.), r