Originally, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is native to the Iberian Peninsula, encompassing modern-day Spain and Portugal, and parts of northwestern Africa.

The European rabbit typically inhabits regions with a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. These areas often feature diverse vegetation, including mixed woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands.

Oryctolagus cuniculus favors areas with soft, sandy soils that facilitate burrowing. They can often be found in environments such as meadows, agricultural fields, and areas with light cover, allowing them to dig extensive warrens for shelter and breeding. Rabbits are herbivores, feeding on a variety of grasses, leaves, and shoots, and play a crucial role in their ecosystems as both prey for predators and as seed dispersers, affecting vegetation dynamics.