Indian Hare (Lepus nigricollis) lives in open grasslands across Indian subcontinent. It feeds on grasses and leaves. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Indian Hare
- The nominate Indian hare, Lepus n. nigricollis, displays a striking black tail instead of the brown seen in some relatives, and a distinctive black patch of fur on the back of its neck. This colour pattern gives the species its alternative name, the black-naped hare. Other subspecies differ, with L. dayanus showing a paler, yellow-tinged coat and L. ruficaudatus bearing a rufous tail and neck patch rather than black.
- The Indian hare has been deliberately introduced to nine island groups, extending its range far beyond its native Indian subcontinent. These islands include Madagascar, the Comoro Islands, the Andaman Islands, Western New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Mayotte, Mauritius and Réunion. Such introductions have established new, isolated populations across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, demonstrating the species' adaptability to varied island habitats.
- Individuals from the southern edge of the Indian hare's range grow noticeably larger than those elsewhere, yet the species remains medium-sized among hares. Adults measure between 33 and 53 cm in head-and-body length and weigh from 1.8 to 3.6 kg, with southern specimens tending toward the upper limits of these dimensions. This size variation reflects geographic differences within the species while maintaining its overall medium stature.
- In Java the Indian hare is found in rocky highlands, while across its mainland range it prefers open grassy areas, cultivated plains and both semi-arid and arid plains as well as hills. This contrast shows the species can occupy both rugged upland terrain and flatter, drier landscapes. Its ability to thrive in such varied habitats helps it maintain a wide distribution throughout the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
Sources
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At a glance
RangeIndian subcontinent
HabitatOpen grasslands
DietGrasses and leaves
About the Indian Hare
As the sun dips below the horizon, the Indian hare emerges from its hiding places, its large brown eyes watchful and alert as it begins its nocturnal foray into the grasslands. With a fluid, effortless gait, it glides across the landscape, its long hind legs propelling it forward with a speed and agility that allows it to outrun even the most determined predators. In this fleeting moment, the Indian hare is a master of the shadows, a whispered rumor of movement and life that vanishes as suddenly as it appears.
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