Scrub hare
Scrub hare | |
---|---|
Male | |
Female | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Mammalia |
Order: | Lagomorpha |
Family: | Leporidae |
Genus: | Lepus |
Species: | L. saxatilis
|
Binomial name | |
Lepus saxatilis F. Cuvier , 1823 | |
Scrub hare range |
The scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis) is one of two species of
Description
The scrub hare has a very distinct coloration. On the
The scrub hare has a very large range in its body size and body mass compared to most animals.[2] Its length ranges from about 45–65 centimeters (18–26 inches), and its mass ranges from about 1.5–4.5 kg (3.3–9.9 lb).[2][6] This large range is specific to the scrub hare because of its different geographical ranges.[2] Hares that live in more southern latitudes decrease in body size and those that live in more northern latitudes have larger body sizes.[2] Females are typically larger than males.[7]
Geographic distribution
The scrub hare is endemic to southern Africa. They are most commonly found in southern Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho.[2][3] However, they have been spotted in southeast Ethiopia, southwest Mauritania, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.[2] However, the scrub hare is not found in the Namib desert.[6]
Habitat
Scrub hares are normally found at higher elevations at about 1220 m to 1830 m.
They are also found throughout two different
Ecosystem roles
The scrub hare has many roles in the
Behavior
The scrub hare is a solitary creature.
Diet
The scrub hare is a
Reproduction
They are
They can breed throughout the year, but their peak season is during the summer months of September to February.
Parenting style
Mothers invest little time with parenting for their young.[2] The young are born fully haired, open-eyed, and are basically developed enough to take care of themselves.[7] Although the time until independence is unknown, parents do not provide protection or resources and give them no learning experience.[2] There is some suckling at night, but it does not last for many days.[2]
Lifespan
Many scrub hares do not even survive their first year. However, they have been noted that in the wild, these hares survive about 5 years.[2] In captivity, they have lived to be between 6 and 7.[2]
Threats
Conservation status
As of now the scrub hare is listed as a least concern animal and is widespread in southern Africa.[2] Within the next 100 years, their population is estimated to decrease a further 20%.[4]
Predation
The scrub hare does have a few known predators. One of the most pronounced predators is the side-striped jackal, Canis adustus.[2] Another known predator is the cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus.[5] Some less prominent predators are predatory birds and the caracal, Caracal caracal.[6] The scrub hare does not have a large defense against predators. Its most notable is the coloring of its fur.[2] It can act as a camouflage against rugged terrain. When a predator is near, it remains completely motionless, hoping it is not spotted. But at the last possible moment when the predator is near, the scrub hare uses its long hind legs to jump and run away as fast as it can.[2] It runs in a zigzagged formation in hopes it will be difficult for the predator to catch it.[2][5] However, when it is caught it makes a loud squeal for distress and its last line of defense is to kick or bite, which is usually unsuccessful.[2]
Human pressures
Habitat fragmentation, commercial plantations and development threaten the species because it destroys their habitats and leaves them exposed to predators.[3] Hunting is also becoming an issue for the scrub hare.[3] Many local people hunt the hare for food and sometimes create gloves out of their soft, warm fur.[2] There has been a distinct population decline due to hunting in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.[3]
References
- . Retrieved 13 December 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar Kushnereit, A. 2004. "Lepus saxatilis" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web.
- ^ a b c d e f g Red List of Threatened Species 2015. "Lepus saxatilis" (Savannah Hare, Scrub Hare) (On-line), SSC Web.
- ^ a b African Sky Safaris and Tours: Kruger National Park Mammals (On-line) web.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Kruger National Park. Scrub Hare (On-line) Web.
- ^ a b c d e Hamerton, Denise, Biodiversity Explorer. "Lepus saxatilis" (Scrub Hare) (On-line) Web.
- ^ a b c d Mitchell, C, Ultimate Field Guide 2015. Scrub Hare - "Lepus saxatilis" (On-line) web.