In this comprehensive monograph, the eco-biology of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is explored with clarity and depth. Central to the study is the complex phenomenon of photoperiodism—the physiological response to changing day length—and its role as the primary driver of seasonal breeding. However, as this research reveals, the biological clock does not operate in isolation. To contextualise the study, the book also includes a thorough literature review of past research on rabbit breeding across various global regions.

Drawing on unique, long-term comparative data between free-living and confined, enclosure populations, the book explores how nutrition and body condition act as critical modifiers of the reproductive window. From the fluctuations of kidney fat reserves during the energetic demands of lactation to the gonadal development of pups from birth to puberty, every stage of the life cycle is documented.

Key features include:

• Physiological Insights: Detailed analysis of seasonal breeding, testicular growth, prostate activity, and plasma FSH levels that define the "physiological cascade" triggered by light.
• Nutritional Modulation: Insight into how supplementary nutrition can dramatically extend the breeding season, even under natural day length.
• Global Context: A comparative look at how climatic differences in Australia, New Zealand, and Northern Europe influence pasture availability and breeding timelines.
• Developmental Biology: Longitudinal data on litter size, juvenile growth, gonadal development, and the hormonal journey toward puberty.

While the foundation of this research is classic, its implications are strikingly modern. In an era of climate change and habitat degradation, understanding the mechanisms that balance environmental cues with physiological responses is vital. This makes the volume monograph a valuable resource for ecologists, conservationists, and researchers specializing in seasonal breeding and reproductive endocrinology.

Dr. Dai T. Davies graduated from the Department of Zoology at Bangor University College of North Wales in 1972 and earned his Ph.D. in 1975 focusing on “Reproductive Neuroendocrinology in the Japanese Quail”. His research has led to over 50 publications, many on the neuroendocrine regulation of photoperiodism in quail. Two of his key papers were published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, London. From 1978 to 1981, he worked as a Senior Scientist with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) before joining ICI Pharmaceuticals, now AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals. There, he served as Principal Scientist and Head of Clinical Pathology for 25 years. During this time, he was President of the Association of the European Comparative Clinical Pathology and in 2000 was the recipient of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry: Animal Division’s award for “Outstanding Contribution to Animal Clinical Chemistry”.