What is the biggest rabbit ever extinct?

The biggest rabbit ever extinct is the Nuralagus rex, also known as the "King of the Rabbits."

Found on the island of Minorca, this remarkable creature evolved to an impressive size due to unique environmental conditions. The Nuralagus rex weighed, on average, an astonishing 26 pounds, making it approximately six times larger than an ordinary wild modern rabbit.

Discovery and Characteristics

Discovered in fossil records, the Nuralagus rex roamed Minorca between 3 million and 5 million years ago. Unlike its modern counterparts, this colossal rabbit likely did not hop. Its large size and presumed slower movement were adaptations to an environment where it faced minimal threats.

Evolutionary Factors

The extraordinary size of the Nuralagus rex is a classic example of island gigantism, a phenomenon where isolated species grow larger than their mainland relatives. On Minorca, these rabbits, which had migrated from Europe, encountered:

• Lack of Predators: With no significant natural predators to keep their numbers or size in check, there was no evolutionary pressure to remain small and agile for escape.
• Abundant Food Sources: A plentiful supply of food allowed individuals to grow larger without being limited by resource scarcity.

Over millions of years, these factors led to the development of a truly massive lagomorph, perfectly adapted to its island home.

Comparison: Nuralagus rex vs. Modern Rabbits

To appreciate the scale of the Nuralagus rex, consider the following comparison:

The Nuralagus rex stands as a fascinating testament to how environmental pressures can shape the evolution of species, leading to forms that are vastly different from what we observe today.

Learn more about extinct prehistoric mammals