Reproduction question

Question
This may seem very odd, but in a discussion with some friends regarding rabbits, it was stated that rabbits can have 2 litters from 1 mating and also that female rabbits can reproduce without having male rabbits present.  
Are either of these 2 scenarios accurate?  
Thanks!

Answer
Dear Emily,

I've heard rumors like this, too.  But to my knowledge, female rabbits cannot store sperm (which would be necessary for them to have two litters from a single mating), nor can they reproduce via parthenogenesis (i.e., "virgin birth)--without mating.

Rabbit oocytes can be artificially stimulated to divide in the laboratory, but they do not have enough chromosomes to develop into full-term babies.

One reason for the "one mating two litters" myth could be that rabbits are induced ovulators who can become pregnant again literally within *minutes* of having given birth (not good for either mama or babies!).  That means two litters in only eight weeks, which could make someone believe that it took only one mating for that to happen.

It's true.  Given the chance, rabbits, reproduce like...rabbits.  You can read just HOW much they can reproduce here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/scary.html

So everyone should spay/neuter their companion rabbits, just as they do their dogs and cats.

Hope that helps!

Dana