On the diurnal rhythm of activity of Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linne, 1758)

The diurnal rhythm of activity of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linné, 1758)) is examined under artificial and natural circumstances. Two male rabbits were examined actographically in special registration cages in artificial and natural light. A population of rabbits was observed in nature and its rhythm of activity investigated by different methods: counting the animals and marking their burrows. The rabbit shows a diurnal rhythm of activity with a main maximum just after sunset and a secondary maximum at sunrise. With artificial light the rabbit has a different rhythm than with natural light. The importance of the choice of the parameter of activity is shown, as is the fact that a change of the actual timegiver brings about greater changes than its absence.