Scrub Hare

Appearance

The Scrub Hare is larger in the southwestern parts of the range (2.7-4.5 kg) than further north (1.5-3.2 kg). The upper parts are a grizzled-grey and the under parts white. They have long ears which are grey in colour, and together with the black- and-white tail these become most visible whilst fleeing.

Diet

The Scrub Hare feeds mainly on short, green gasses, but during times of hardship scrub hares will also take leaves, stems and rhizomes of dried grass.

Breeding

Births peak from September to February, but they may give birth throughout the year to between one and three leverets per litter. Triplets are more likely during good rainy seasons. They will breed during most adverse drought conditions.

Behaviour

They are solitary. Females may be accompanied by a few males during oestrus. Preferred habitat is scrub, tall grasslands and savanna.

Where they are found

Distributed widely in South Africa. Absent from forests, coastal desert areas and the drier northwestern parts of the Northern Cape.