The Hainan Hare is a species of hare

Hare

Hares and jackrabbits are leporids belonging to the genus Lepus. Hares less than one year old are called leverets. Four species commonly known as types of hare are classified outside of Lepus: the hispid hare , and three species known as red rock hares .Hares are very fast-moving...

 endemic to Hainan Island, China.

Description

The Hainan Hare is small; its body length is less than 40 cm and weighs only 1.5 kg. Its head is small and round. It has long ears that are longer than its hind feet. The upper part of the tail is black, while the under parts are white. It has a more colorful coat than most other hares: its back is brownish black and white, its belly is white, the fur on the flank is a mixture of brownish yellow and brownish white, and its limbs are dark brown.

Behavior

The Hainan Hare is a solitary animal and active at night or dusk. It doesn't live in burrows, but hides in bushes. It likes to live in flat, cool land with many bushes.

Habitat and distribution

The Hainan Hare is found in the dry grassland of Western Hainan Island. It doesn't live in mountains or agricultural land.

Threats

In previous years, the Hainan Hare was slaughtered for skin, and this continues to some degree. It is also threatened by loss of habitat. Most of the habitat and animals on Hainan are threatened by similar factors, like the Hainan black crested gibbon, one of the world's rarest primates.

Conservation

There is, unfortunately, no control for overhunting of this rabbit and habitat destruction. This may be because it is only listed as vulnerable, though it may be very endangered. Little is known on specific populations.