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Social Cooperation
The only indication of social cooperation or altruism seen in the European rabbit would be with the adult male. Research has failed to conclude whether or not males act friendly towards the young is an altruistic act or not. It has been noted that males benefit from acting kindly to their young because it enhances their social rank by being surrounding by other friendly animals (Mykytowycz and Dudzinski, 1972). Zahavi's handicap hypothesis may support the behavior seen with the adult male rabbits where his social status is augmented by showing the reciprocal behavior of caring for the young. Also, even though the behavior of the male in caring for the young is costly, it may enhance his ability to attract a female since she will be more likely to mate with someone who will show a great deal of care towards her young.