Pygmy Rabbit

The American Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is a type of native rabbit. Additionally, it is the only native species of rabbit in North America that excavates its own burrow. The pygmy rabbit is typically regarded as belonging to the monotypic genus Brachylagus and differs markedly from species in both the Lepus (hare) and Sylvilagus (cottontail) genera. Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature rates the species as being at a reduced risk, the U.S. Federal government has categorized the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit as an endangered species due to one isolated population.

With an adult weight between 375 and 500 grams and a body length between 23.5 and 29.5 centimeters, the pygmy rabbit is the smallest leporid in the world. Females are somewhat bigger than males. By virtue of its little size, short ears, gray hue, small hind legs, and lack of white fluffy fur, the pygmy rabbit can be distinguished from other leporids.