About Lepus nigricollis F.Cuvier, 1823
Species Naming and Size Range
The Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis F.Cuvier, 1823) is a medium-sized hare, with notably larger individuals found in the southern parts of its range.
General Fur Coloration
Its fur is a mix of black and rufous; rufous coloring is especially prominent on the legs and breast. The underside of the body and the underside of the tail are white, while the upper surface of the tail is brown.
Body and Limb Measurements
Head and body length ranges from 33 to 53 cm (13 to 21 in), ear length is 8 to 12 cm (3.1 to 4.7 in), and large, well-furred hind feet measure 8.5 to 11.5 cm (3.3 to 4.5 in). The tail is rather long, at about 6.4 cm (2.5 in).
Adult Weight
Adult Indian hares weigh between 1.8 and 3.6 kg (4.0 to 7.9 lb).
Subspecies Distinguishing Traits Overview
Different subspecies may have distinguishing features.
Nominate Subspecies Features
The nominate subspecies, L. n. nigricollis, has a black tail (instead of the typical brown upper tail) and a distinctive black patch of fur on the back of its neck.
L. n. dayanus Features
L. n. dayanus has paler fur that tends toward yellow.
L. n. ruficaudatus Features
L. n. ruficaudatus is very similar to L. n. nigricollis, but its tail and neck patch are rufous and dark brown rather than black.
Habitat and Distribution
The Indian hare inhabits open grassy areas, cultivated plains, semi-arid and arid plains, and hills across the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
Activity Pattern
This species is crepuscular and nocturnal in its activity pattern.
