Hainan Hare

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Hainan Hare
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Lagomorpha
Family: Leporidae
Genus: Lepus
Species: L. hainanus
Binomial name
Lepus hainanus
Swinhoe, 1870

The Hainan Hare (Lepus hainanus) is a species of hare endemic to Hainan Island, China.

Contents

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Conservation

There is no control for overhunting and habitat destruction.

[edit] References