Oryctolagus cuniculus; the Rabbit (Mappy)
Although they are not native to the UK, rabbits have been here for some time. They were introduced by the Normans in the 12th century, though did not become widespread and naturalised in the wild until the 19th century. Though considered invasive in some circumstances they are an integral part of the ecosystem as demonstrated when the overwhelming majority of rabbits were killed off by the disease myxomatosis. Stoats (Mustela erminea), buzzards (Buteo buteo) and other predators that relied on rabbits as prey dropped in numbers significantly. Rabbits live in groups in underground complexes known as warrens and in theory 2 rabbits can have 33 million offspring within 3 years. In reality 90% of all rabbit young are killed by predators. They are able to breed at just 4 months of age and give birth to 5 - 7 kittens per litter. In a good year (in terms of weather and food) they can give birth every 5 - 6 weeks from February to August.