Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Tree Dwelling Rabbits

In the fields near my home there are several trees with an inordinate amount of basal growth. Over the years, this has increased the effective diameter of the trees by a very significant amount. Now the the stem growth has a depth of several feet and is not only thick but also full of accumulated fallen leaves.
Yesterday my dog was giving chase to a rabbit when I was astonished to see the rabbit jump up into the tree and disappear. On closer inspection it became apparent that there was a network of tunnels within the basal growth. Examining the other trees I could see the same phenomenon. The tunnels extend to about five feet from the ground making these truly tree dwelling rabbits.

I am sure this behaviour must be replicated elsewhere but I have never seen its like before.

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