Domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) share their species with wild European rabbits and have specific social needs that differ from superficially similar lagomorphs including hares and cottontails.
Understanding species-specific welfare needs requires distinguishing between taxonomically related animals with very different social ecologies. Rabbits are highly social and suffer from isolation; hares are solitary and may be stressed by company. Providing a wild rabbit or hare with domestic companion-appropriate housing fails both animals. Species identification matters for appropriate welfare provision.