Chinese hare

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Chinese hare

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Lepus
Species:
L. sinensis
Binomial name
Lepus sinensis
Chinese hare range

The Chinese hare (Lepus sinensis) is a species of mammal in the family Leporidae.[2] It is found in China, Taiwan and Vietnam.[1]

Taxonomy

The Chinese hare was first described by

mtDNA have since shown that the Korean hare is in fact a separate species.[3]

Description

The Chinese hare is a small species growing to a length of about 40 to 76 centimetres (16 to 30 in) and a weight of 1.25 to 1.94 kilograms (2.8 to 4.3 lb) with the females being rather larger than the males. The fur is short and coarse, the back and chest being chestnut-brown and the belly whitish. The large hind feet are furred, the tail is brown and the tips of the ears bear triangular black patches. It is distinguished from other

Lepus species by the shape and details of its skull and teeth.[4]

Distribution and habitat

The Chinese hare is native to the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Zhejiang. It also occurs on Taiwan and in a small area of north-eastern Vietnam.[1]

Biology

The Chinese hare has been little studied but like other hare species, the diet consists of

precocial young are born in this and visited by the mother once a day for a few minutes to allow them to suckle. The mother's milk is particularly rich in protein and fat and the lactation period lasts for about three weeks. Various carnivores prey on the Chinese hare and it relies on its fast running speed to escape from predators.[4]

Status

The

Least Concern" as it has a wide range. However, in Vietnam it occurs in a heavily populated area and is at risk from hunting. In China, its population trend is unknown.[1]

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T41286A45189035.en
    . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. OCLC 62265494
    .
  3. S2CID 20926137
    .
  4. ^ a b "Lepus sinensis - Chinese hare". Living organisms. Wildpro. Archived from the original on 25 May 2019. Retrieved 2013-08-28.
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