Rabbit Colony

Lore & Background

In the Beastars universe, rabbits are among the most vulnerable herbivores due to their size and status as desirable meat. However, they do not retreat into hidden colonies; instead, they integrate into schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, striving for normalcy despite the deep-seated fear of predation. The psychological burden is immense, living under the shadow of potential slaughter while legal protections against herbivore consumption exist in theory but are often tested by the black market.

In Their Own Story

The moon hung low over the treeline, casting silver shadows through the dense underbrush. Inside the burrow entrance, dozens of long ears twitched in unison, sensing a vibration that wasn't wind or rain. A hush fell over the colony as the scent of musk drifted on the air—wolf. The kits pressed closer to their mothers, eyes wide and trembling. Above them, a silhouette paused at the edge of the clearing, claws digging softly into the earth. But there was no snarl, only a low growl that warned others away. The rabbit colony held its breath until the scent faded, leaving behind silence and the fragile hope of another night survived.

Reader's Guide

The Rabbit Colony represents the collective living arrangements of rabbits within the Beastars world, functioning primarily as a defensive measure against predation. Unlike formal political organizations, these groups are informal gatherings driven by survival instincts rather than ideology. Their primary goal is simple existence; they seek to remain hidden from carnivores who view them as food sources. Members consist entirely of rabbit herbivores, often including families and young kits seeking protection in numbers. In the broader conflict between carnivores and herbivores, these colonies play a tragic role as targets for the illegal meat trade. Black market dealers frequently hunt down isolated groups to supply underground restaurants with forbidden flesh. This makes the Colony a focal point of tension, highlighting the vulnerability of small prey animals despite legal protections. Legoshi’s interactions often revolve around protecting individuals connected to these communities from such threats. Ultimately, the Rabbit Colony symbolizes the fragility of peace in this society. They do not seek revenge or power but rather safety and quiet lives away from violence. Their presence underscores the moral complexities faced by carnivores like Legoshi who must choose between their nature and their conscience when encountering prey that fears them above all else.

Did You Know?

• Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae, which also includes hares, and the order Lagomorpha, which also includes pikas.
• The most widespread rabbit genera are Oryctolagus (including the European rabbit, ancestor of domestic breeds) and Sylvilagus (including over 13 wild species like cottontails).
• Rabbits are a paraphyletic grouping and do not constitute a clade, as hares (genus Lepus) are nested within Leporidae but are not described as rabbits.
• Rabbits were once considered rodents but were moved into Lagomorpha in 1912; DNA studies now place both groups in the clade Glires.
• A male rabbit is called a buck, a female is called a doe, and a young rabbit is called a kit or kitten.