Oryctolagus

Oryctolagus is a monotypic genus of rabbit, family Leporidae, containing the single species Oryctolagus cuniculus, the European rabbit, whose generic name derives from Greek roots meaning burrowing hare. Native to the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France, it has since been introduced to hundreds of locations worldwide, reaching at least 800 islands and every continent except Antarctica. The genus is distinguished from hares by burrowing habits, blind and helpless newborn young, and a narrow nasal opening; molecular studies show its closest living relatives are the riverine rabbit, the hispid hare and the Amami rabbit.