What kind of animal is a spring hare? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Spring hare is a rodent found in southern Africa from Kenya to Angola. It is a very cute rabbit and can be seen quite widely in sub-Saharan Africa.
What is a Flying Rabbit? Basic Stats
Spring hares are rodents classified in the order Rodentia and family Leporidae. Their scientific name is Pedetes capensis, their English name is Spring hare, and their kanji is Jumping Rabbit. Their body length is 35-45cm, their tail length is 37-47cm, and their weight is 4kg. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | トビウサギ |
| English（英名） | Spring hare |
| scientific name(学名) | Pedetes capensis |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Rodentia、 Pedetidae、Pedetes 哺乳綱、齧歯目、トビウサギ科、トビウサギ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（体長） | 35～45cm |
| Weight（体重） | 4kg |
About classification
There are two subspecies of spring hare: the Eastern spring hare (Pedetes capensis) and the Eastern spring hare (Pedetes surdaster).
| Pedetes capensis | It is found in a wide range of areas, including South Africa, Angola, Congo, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. |
| Pedetes surdaster | Distributed in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda |
Habitat
Spring rabbits are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.
What are the characteristics? What kind of creature is it?
As its name suggests, flying rabbits have the habit of jumping up. They have large hind legs, long hair on their tails, thick necks, and large round eyes. They are similar to kangaroos in that they hop on their hind legs. Flying rabbits are sometimes active during the day, but are nocturnal and often rest in holes they dig in the ground during the day. They can dig holes with the long claws on their front legs to protect themselves from predators. Flying rabbits have excellent senses of smell, hearing, and vision, and can detect the approach of predators in advance. Their backs are covered with reddish brown fur, and their bellies are covered with white fur.
What is their ecology?
Flying rabbits live by eating grass roots, bulbs, stems, seeds, etc. The gestation period is 80 days, and they can give birth to one baby at a time. They are said to live for about 10 years.
Do they have any natural enemies?
The natural enemies of flying rabbits are servals, caracals, and jackals.
Are spring hares an endangered species?
Spring hares are often considered pests that damage agricultural crops such as potatoes, corn, and wheat, and are therefore exterminated. In their habitat, they are sometimes eaten for meat. However, they are not an endangered species.
Can spring hares be kept as pets?
Spring hares are sometimes kept as pets, and it is possible to keep them as pets. You can keep them as long as you have the same equipment as a normal rabbit.
Selling price
The selling price seems to be around 200,000 to 400,000 yen. There is a fair amount of circulation.
Breeding environment
Because flying rabbits have a habit of jumping, their cages need to be quite large. It is difficult to raise them without a fairly large garden. It is a little difficult to keep them in an ordinary house.
Feeding
Flying rabbits are omnivorous, eating plant roots and stems, fruits, insects, arthropods, etc. They can also eat rice, potatoes, and corn.
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