Wildlifeof Nepal
Hispid Hare
Pangolins, Treeshrews, Shrews & Gymnures
Photo: Bed Bahadur Khadka · CC BY 4.0
Caprolagus hispidus
Basic stats
Diet
Grasses and leaves, at least 23 plant species
Habitat
Grassland
Range
Now northern India, southern Nepal and eastern Bhutan
Litter size
2–3 young
Gestation period
About 40 days
Weight
Males about 1.8–2.6kg; females average about 2.5kg
The hispid hare is a rabbit-like animal named for its harsh, bristly coat, dark brown on the back from a mix of black and brown hairs, brown on the chest and whitish on the abdomen. The ears are small compared with those of the Indian hare, and the brown tail is 25 to 38mm long. It was once thought extinct, until rediscovery in Assam in 1971 (Wikipedia, general species account).
Its historical range ran from Uttar Pradesh through southern Nepal and West Bengal to Assam, and today it is limited to northern India, southern Nepal and eastern Bhutan. It is crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk, and herbivorous, eating at least 23 plants. Gestation lasts about 40 days, with about three litters of two to three young a year. Nationally Endangered (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Hispid Hare eat?
- Grasses and leaves, at least 23 plant species
- What habitat does the Hispid Hare live in?
- Grassland
- Where is the Hispid Hare found?
- Now northern India, southern Nepal and eastern Bhutan
- What is the litter size of the Hispid Hare?
- 2–3 young
- How long is the gestation period of the Hispid Hare?
- About 40 days
- How much does the Hispid Hare weigh?
- Males about 1.8–2.6kg; females average about 2.5kg