Physical Characteristics
In East Africa there are two common species of hare: Crawshay’s hare, which generally prefers moister and more wooded savannas, and the brown hare, which is found in more open and arid regions. These species are difficult to tell apart in the field.
The hare’s strong hind foot measures about 4 inches and the mobile ears are as long or longer. The hare can make spectacular leaps of up to 10 feet.
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Diet
Both rabbits and hares have two pairs of chisel-shaped incisors, teeth that have evolved for cutting and nipping vegetation. Hares eat leaves, buds, roots, berries, fungi, bark and twigs. And, like rabbits, hares produce two types of droppings — the first is soft and rich in vitamins and is re-ingested for maximum nutrient gain; the second is hard, dry and pellet-like.
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Behavior
The hare is nocturnal, and spends most of the day lying in a “form” — a depression in the ground or under bushes. Hares do not dig burrows like rabbits do.
They are solitary animals and fights between individuals are not uncommon.
A female hare gives birth to one or two young, which are born fully haired and with open eyes. The mother only spends a short amount of time each day suckling the young; the rest of the time they hide in forms trying to avoid the attention of predators.
To protect themselves, hares rely on camouflage, speed and their senses of hearing and smell. If an enemy is near, the hare may freeze, crouching low to the ground. If danger continues to approach, the hare may pop into the air and dash away in a zig-zag pattern. The hare gives a shrill scream if in peril but is otherwise mostly silent.
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Threats
Humans are among the many predators of the hare, and have for centuries hunted them not only for their meat and fur but for sport.
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