LEPUS (HARE)

LEPUS (HARE)

Contents hide
1) Introduction
2) Classification of Lepus (Hare)
3) Geographical distribution
4) Habit and habitat
5) General Characteristics of Oryctolagus (Rabbit)
6) Ecological Importance
7) Conservation Status
8) Special features
9) Identification

Introduction

The genus Lepus encompasses hares and jackrabbits, which are fast-moving mammals found across a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, forests, and tundra. Known for their powerful hind legs and long ears, hares are distinct from rabbits in their solitary nature and more robust build. Hares play an essential role in ecosystems as prey species and are culturally significant in many traditions.

Classification of Lepus (Hare)

  • Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
  • Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
  • Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
  • Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
  • Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
  • Class :- Mammalia (Body covered with hairs. Females have mammary glands.)
  • Order :- Lagomorpha (Upper incisors 2 pairs.)
  • Family: Leporidae
  • Genus :- Lepus
Classification of Lepus (Hare)

Geographical distribution

  • Cosmopoliton. North Indian hare is Lepus ruficaudatus and South Indian hare is L. nigricollis.

Habit and habitat

  • Inhabiting fields, grasslands and woodlands. Gregarious, crepuscular (coming out of burrows for feeding in twilight, coprophagous (eating again their soft stool for maximum nourishment). Polygmous, nocturnal, solitary, nomadic and living in temporary shelters.

General Characteristics of Oryctolagus (Rabbit)

  • Commonly called as Hare.
  • Larger than rabbits. 50 to 70 cm long from mouth to anus. Body colour brown dorsally while ventral side is white.
  • Body divisible into head, neck, trunk or back, chest and abdomen.
  • Head contains eyes, tactile whiskers, nares, and longer erect external ears, snout, external nares and mouth. Ears contain external auditory meatus.
  • Forelimbs and hind limbs more or less equal. Tail short and bushy.
  • Runs at a speed of 60 km per hour.
  • Wild hare can not be domesticated.
Classification of Lepus (Hare)
Image Source : IStock

Ecological Importance

  1. Prey for Predators: Hares are a vital food source for a variety of predators, including foxes, eagles, hawks, lynxes, and wolves.
  2. Seed Dispersal: By feeding on fruits and vegetation, hares contribute to seed dispersal, aiding in plant propagation.
  3. Vegetation Management: Their grazing influences vegetation structure, promoting biodiversity in their habitats.
  4. Indicator Species: As sensitive to environmental changes, hare populations can serve as indicators of ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Conservation Status

  1. Status of Species:
    • Conservation statuses vary across species:
      • Lepus europaeus (European Hare): Least Concern, but declining in parts of its range due to habitat loss.
      • Lepus timidus (Mountain Hare): Near Threatened in some areas due to climate change and hunting.
      • Lepus flavigularis (Tehuantepec Jackrabbit): Critically Endangered due to habitat fragmentation and poaching.
  2. Threats:
    • Habitat destruction from agriculture and urbanization.
    • Overhunting and poaching for meat and fur.
    • Predation pressure from introduced species.
    • Climate change affecting habitats, especially for species like the mountain hare.
  3. Conservation Efforts:
    • Protected areas to conserve habitats.
    • Hunting regulations and bans in vulnerable regions.
    • Research on population dynamics and habitat restoration.
Classification of Lepus (Hare)
Image Source : IStock

Special features

  • Speed and Agility: Hares are among the fastest terrestrial mammals, capable of reaching speeds up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and performing zigzag movements to evade predators.
  • Solitary and Nocturnal: Unlike rabbits, hares are primarily solitary and active at night, making them elusive creatures.
  • Precocial Offspring: Hares give birth to precocial young (leverets), which are fully furred and have open eyes, allowing them to be mobile shortly after birth.
  • Seasonal Camouflage: Some species, like the mountain hare, change fur color with the seasons—brown in summer and white in winter—for camouflage in snow-covered environments.
  • Large Home Ranges: Hares have extensive home ranges compared to rabbits, reflecting their preference for open and less densely populated areas.

Identification

  • Since the animal has long erect pinnae and above features, hence it is Hare.

References

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