| East African spring hare | |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Suborder: | Anomaluromorpha |
| Family: | Pedetidae |
| Genus: | Pedetes |
| Species: | P. surdaster |
| Binomial name | |
| Pedetes surdaster (Thomas, 1902) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Pedetes surdaster, the East African spring hare, is not closely related to the hare but is a member of the rodent family, Pedetidae.
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Pedetes surdaster was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African spring hare (Pedetes capensis). This was based on genetic, morphological and ethological differences.[3] It has been found that specimens of Pedetes capensis from South Africa have fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than do Pedetes surdaster which have (2n = 40) and some other genetic variations.[4] The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005.[1]
This species is found in central and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. A single specimen has been recorded in Uganda near the Kenya border, at Mount Moroto. It is found from sea level up to an altitude of over 2,000 metres.[1]
The East African spring hare resembles a small kangaroo and is about the size of a rabbit. It is mid-brown, has large erect ears, very short forelegs and long powerful hind legs.[5] It moves in bounds of up to two metres and has a long tail fringed with black hairs which provides balance. It can sit up on its haunches like a squirrel.[6][7]
The East African spring hare is nocturnal and spends the day in an extensive system of burrows. It lives in semi-arid grassland habitats.[1] The diet is the green parts of plants, roots and other vegetable matter and occasionally insects.[5]
