Study Identifies Two Distinct Rabbit Species on Iberian Peninsula

A study published in the journal Biological Conservation concludes that two distinct rabbit species inhabit the Iberian Peninsula. Euronews reported that the work distinguishes the Iberian rabbit, Oryctolagus algirus, found naturally in Portugal and western Spain, from the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, which dominates the eastern peninsula.

The two lineages diverged roughly two million years ago after becoming isolated in separate glacial refuges, one in the Ebro valley and the other in the Gulf of Cádiz.

They have since shown little interbreeding despite superficial similarities. The Iberian rabbit is smaller, has darker fur, produces smaller litters, and reaches sexual maturity earlier than the European rabbit. The species also differ in gut microbiome composition, meat composition, and parasite communities.

Rafael Villafuerte stated that the two species have always been there and that only knowledge of them has changed. Miguel Delibes-Mateos warned that management practices must now account for nearly two million years of separate evolution. European rabbit populations remain stable or are increasing across much of their range, sometimes causing agricultural damage.

In contrast, the Iberian rabbit shows marked decline in Portugal and southwestern Spain. Game restocking operations commonly release European rabbits into areas previously occupied only by the Iberian species, raising risks of competition and hybridisation. The rabbit serves as prey for up to 40 predator species, including the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle.

Euronews reported that formally recognising the two species would allow tailored monitoring programmes, recovery plans, and hunting regulations.