Table 1.

List and characterisation of 21 qualitative behaviours descriptors for rabbits

Descriptor	Description
Relaxed	Flabby, relaxed posture; eyes opened or half closed; not agitated; can be at rest both sitting and lying down without signs of stress; ears not directed.
At Ease	Unfazed; comfortable; relaxed attitude and/or state of mind.
Calm	Half asleep, half awake; relaxed; quiet; observant.
Active	Receptive and attentive to the environment; sudden actions and reactions to stimuli.
Vigilant	Tense; attentive; watching; ears raised; may be frozen; careful; on guard.
Alert	Tail may be raised; the animal may be raised and frozen; may stamp; nervous; muscle tension present.
Indifferent	Undisturbed by the environment and other animals; independent; self-sufficient; unshakeable; carries on without feeling disturbed.
Curious	Interested in the environment; explores, smells, looks, and interacts actively; lively and proactive attitude.
Joyful	Engaged in capering jumps or bursts of speed; very active; small jerks and head shakes; wiggling ears; cheerful face (eyes wide open, bright; relaxed cheeks)
Frustrated	Discontent; dissatisfied; may gnaw or scratch (incisively); insists on arranging elements of the environment.
Nervous	Agitated; excited; sudden or frantic jumping or running; may stamp; very reactive; possibly aggressive in response to approaching conspecifics.
Worried	Frequently alert; concerned about the environment; abnormal vigilance toward the group and stimuli; anxious; may stamp.
Scared	Appears frightened; flees or hides; does not dare to show itself; may stamp.
Attentive	Focused and observant.
Inhibited	Unable to act; prostrate; possibly dominated; refrains from acting; ears pinned back; animal pinned to the ground.
Affectionate	Seeks contact; engages in allogrooming; shows affection to humans or congenial companions.
Pleased	Needs are fulfilled; shows satisfaction (satisfied face); happy; delighted.
Unshakeable	Not easily disturbed or rattled; rarely troubled; undeterred; does not change plans in response to environmental stimuli.
Interested	Explores; engages with the environment; invested in the elements of space and their arrangement in a calm and peaceful manner.
Peaceful	Does not disturb other animals; happy; relaxed posture; friendly to others; enjoys the environment; conveys a sense of calm to the group.
Confident	Does not express fear; moves into open spaces without hesitation; reacts decisively; acts according to desires without inhibition from others; independent.