Lagomorph

Lagomorphs are classified as an order of mammals that includes modern day rabbits, hares and pikas. Rabbits and hares belong to the lagomorph family Leporidae, while pikas belong to a separate family, the Ochotonidae.¹ Until the early 20th century, lagomorphs were considered rodents, members of the order Rodentia.²

Fast Facts

1. Lagomorph order includes about 80 animals²
2. Originated in India³
3. Found in all continents except Antarctica²
4. At least 16 species of lagomorphs in danger of extinction⁴

Fossils

In March 2008, the foot bones of an extinct 53 million-year-old lagomorph were found in a coal mine in Gujarat, India. The bones were 35 million years older than any other lagomorph bones previously found, and are similar to those found in modern-day jackrabbits, but much smaller.³

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