Wildlifeof Nepal
Woolly Hare
Pangolins, Treeshrews, Shrews & Gymnures
Photo: Subir B. Shakya · CC-BY
Lepus oiostolus
Basic stats
Diet
Grasses and herbs
Habitat
Montane grassland
Range
Border regions of northern Nepal and India (including Sikkim and Ladakh) to western and central China
Litter size
About 3 young a year over two litters
Size
Head and body 40–58cm; ears 11–16cm; tail 6.5–12.5cm
Weight
2.4–3kg
The woolly hare is a medium to large hare of montane grasslands, with fur that is especially long, soft and curly, hence the name, and varies from sandy yellow to light brown. Whitish rings around the eyes and an elongated muzzle are distinctive. Among the Chinese hares it has the largest ears, darker at the tip. It weighs 2.4 to 3kg (Wikipedia, general species account).
Its range extends from the border regions of northern Nepal and India to western and central China. It is shy, usually solitary and mostly nocturnal, foraging on grasses and herbs and returning regularly to the same feeding areas at night, though it has been recorded by day. Breeding starts in April, with about three young a year over two litters. Birds of prey are its main predators. Nationally Least Concern (Nepal National Red List 2011).
Quick answers
- What does the Woolly Hare eat?
- Grasses and herbs
- What habitat does the Woolly Hare live in?
- Montane grassland
- Where is the Woolly Hare found?
- Border regions of northern Nepal and India (including Sikkim and Ladakh) to western and central China
- What is the litter size of the Woolly Hare?
- About 3 young a year over two litters
- How big is the Woolly Hare?
- Head and body 40–58cm; ears 11–16cm; tail 6.5–12.5cm
- How much does the Woolly Hare weigh?
- 2.4–3kg