But do not assume that all rabbits and hares of the world are replacing their numbers as fast as they are being depleted. Lagomorphs, which include more than 80 living species of rabbits, hares, and pikas, are not rodents. Look at a rabbit's front teeth closely, and you will see two pair of incisors, one behind the other, rather than the single pair characteristic of rats, mice, beavers, and other rodents. Everyone is familiar with rabbits, both wild and domesticated. Pikas are furry little creatures that are generally smaller than rabbits and lack tails.
Most hares are larger than rabbits and usually have black ear tips.
The jackrabbit of the western United States is actually a hare. Of the many species that still exist in the rabbit family, some are in serious trouble as a result of human activities. IUCN specialist groups are made up of scientific advisors who examine the conservation status of particular plants or animals on a global scale. The Lagomorph Specialist Group recently reported on some of their activities related to the rabbits, hares, and pikas of the world. The report makes it readily apparent that environmental conditions are less than healthy for many species.