Thistle Rabbit

Thistle rabbits are large grey or brown rabbits with maroon spines in the back of their legs.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Adult thistle rabbits are four to five feet long from nose to rump with soft speckled fur in grays and browns. On their back legs they have multiple spines that can grow up to two inches long and are often covered in urine. Thistle rabbit kits are rarely seen out of the burrow and are pitch black to help them blend in with their natural environment.

Genetics and Reproduction

While that breed as often as other rabbits they have unusually small litters of 2 - 3 kits, all attempts to breed in larger litters has resulted in failure.

Ecology and Habitats

They live in the dense undergrowth of Kylian forests and bush lands. Eating mostly new growth off bushes and small saplings they get most of their food in spring before hibernating in winter.

Additional Information

Domestication

In Kylia they are bred commonly for meat and skin, the wealthy often show off their specially bred rabbits with multicolored fur and foot long spines as a status symbol.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The most valuable resource gained from Thistle rabbits are their skins. When dried and stretched they make high quality water resistant vellum that is highly sought after by various individuals for its uniform color and durability. The meat, though rather strong tasting, is eaten during culling periods and the spines on their feet are used to make fishhooks so nothing goes to waste.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have exceptional hearing and can recognize a dog bark from three miles away. While being almost blind they can sense movement nearby through vibrations in the earth.

Conservation Status

While there are thousands of farm dwelling thistle rabbits they have been on a steep decline in the wild due to poaching. The government has done its best to curb this by making the intentional death of a wild thistle rabbit punishable by a decade in prison it still persists.