Lepus arcticus Ross, 1819

Description

Taxonomy and Size Classification

The Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus Ross, 1819) is one of the largest living lagomorphs.

Body Length

This species typically reaches a total body length of 43 to 70 cm (17 to 28 in), not including a tail that measures 4.5 to 10 cm (1.8 to 3.9 in).

Body Mass

Its typical body mass ranges between 2.5–5.5 kg (6–12 lb), though exceptionally large individuals can weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb).

Distribution and habitat

Geographic Range

The Arctic hare is found across the northernmost regions of Greenland, the Canadian Arctic islands including Ellesmere Island, and Northern Canada, with populations extending farther south into Labrador and Newfoundland.

Habitat Adaptations

It is well adapted to the cold weather and frozen precipitation of the tundras, plateaus, and treeless coasts that make up its native range.

Elevation Range

It can be found at elevations from sea level up to 900 m (3,000 ft).

Southern Population Moulting

In Newfoundland and Southern Labrador, Arctic hares change coat color through seasonal moulting: they grow brown or grey fur in summer, then moult to grow new white fur for winter.

Camouflage Context

This seasonal moulting for camouflage matching changing environments is also seen in other Arctic animals, including ermine and ptarmigan.

Northern Population Coat

However, Arctic hares living in the far north of Canada, where summer is very short, remain white year-round.

Reproduction and lifespan

Breeding Season

The Arctic hare's breeding season falls around April or May.

Gestation and Birth Period

Its gestation period is 53 days, so young are born between May and July.

Litter Size

Litters can have up to eight young, called leverets, with an average litter size of 5.4.

Juvenile Rearing

Leverets remain within their mother's home range until they are able to survive independently.

Maturation and First Breeding

Young Arctic hares are almost full-sized by late July, just a few weeks after birth, and breed for the first time when they reach one year of age.

Wild Lifespan

There is little confirmed information about the lifespan of wild Arctic hares. Anecdotal evidence suggests wild individuals live three to five years.

Captive Lifespan

Arctic hares do not survive well in captivity, with a maximum lifespan of only one and a half years.