- Lifespan
- 8–9 years in the wild, up to 12 years in captivity
- Size & Weight
- 35–50 cm body length; 1.5–2.5 kg
- Habitat
- Open grasslands, heathlands, sand dunes, and agricultural land with access to burrows or warrens.
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout England, Wales, and southern Scotland; absent from northern Scotland and many upland areas. Resident year-round.
- Diet
- Grasses, clover, herbs, and vegetables; also bark and twigs in winter.
- Predators
- Red fox, stoat, weasel, tawny owl, buzzard, and golden eagle.
- Mating Season
- December to June, peaking in spring
- Breeding
- Gestation period 30–31 days; litter size 4–8 kits; females produce 3–4 litters per breeding season.
- Behaviour
- Highly social, living in underground burrow systems called warrens with dominant breeding pairs. Crepuscular and nocturnal; communicate through thumping hind legs and various vocalizations. Form hierarchical social groups with clear dominance structures.