rabbit

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Any of several genera of hopping mammals of the order Lagomorpha, which together with hares constitute the family Leporidae. Rabbits differ from hares in bearing naked, helpless young and in occupying burrows.

The Old World rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), originally from southern Europe and North Africa, has now been introduced worldwide. It is bred for meat and for its fur, which is usually treated to resemble more expensive furs. It lives in interconnected burrows called ‘warrens’, unlike cottontails (genus Sylvilagus), of which 13 species are native to North and South America.

The Pillars of Hercules represent the promontories of Gibraltar and Ceuta. The shield represents the regions of Castile, Léon, Aragón, Navarre, and Granada. Effective date: 18 December 1981. >>