The Cape hare (Lepus capensis), also called the brown hare, is a hare with pale brown fur and long ears that are always upright, and unusually the female is a bit larger than the male. It lives in arid areas of South Africa, Botswana and central Namibia, and in the Kruger National Park it can be spotted in the more arid northern areas.
Name
Cape Hare or Brown Hare [Lepus capensis]
Appearance
Unlike other animals the female is a bit larger than the male. The fur of the Cape Hare is a pale brown colour. An iconic trait of the Cape Hare is its long ears that are always upright. A way to distinguish the Cape Hare from the Scrub Hare is its smaller size.
Diet
Depending on what is available, the Cape Hare will either be a grazer or a browser. The hares would ingest the soft feces pellets they excrete during the day and they excrete hard pellets during the nights.
Breeding
The Cape hare breeds throughout the year but the peak of birthing is usually during the rainy season. After a gestation period of 42 days, the Hare will give birth to up to 3 leverets. The young weigh about 100 grams and are fully furred at birth. Their eyes are open at birth and they can move about soon afterwards.
Behaviour
Generally solitary animals, the females usually travel alone unless she is on her cycle, then she will usually be followed by several males. They prefer open, arid terrain with open grass patches.
Where could you find them?
The Cape Hare can be found in arid areas of South Africa. They can also be found in Botswana and central areas of Namibia. During a Kruger National Park Safari, you can spot them in the more arid areas of the Park to the North.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Cape hare and a scrub hare?
The Cape hare is smaller than the scrub hare, which is one way to tell them apart. The Cape hare has pale brown fur and favours open, arid terrain with open patches of grass.
What does a Cape hare eat?
Depending on what is available, the Cape hare is either a grazer or a browser. It also eats the soft faecal pellets it excretes during the day, while it excretes hard pellets at night.
How many babies does a Cape hare have?
Up to 3 leverets, born after a gestation period of 42 days. The young weigh about 100 grams and are fully furred at birth; Cape hares breed throughout the year, with a peak in births during the rainy season.
Are Cape hares solitary animals?
Yes — Cape hares are generally solitary, and females usually travel alone. When a female is on her cycle, however, she is usually followed by several males.
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