Rabbits are believed to have originated in the region of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes modern-day Spain and Portugal. Fossil evidence suggests that early ancestors of modern rabbits evolved there millions of years ago as part of the Leporidae family. Over time, rabbits spread across Europe and later to other parts of the world through human activity. The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is considered the main ancestor of most domestic rabbits today. Ancient civilizations, including the Romans, played a role in spreading rabbits by transporting and breeding them for food and fur. As rabbits were introduced to new regions, they adapted to different environments, eventually becoming one of the most widespread small mammals in the world. 🐇