About Lepus saxatilis F.Cuvier, 1823
Species Naming and Resemblance
The Cape scrub hare, scientifically named Lepus saxatilis F.Cuvier, 1823, is similar in appearance to the African savanna hare.
Body Fur Coloration
It has coarse, grizzled gray fur, with gray undersides and white fur on the inner limbs, chin, and chest. An off-white ring circles each of its eyes.
Ear Characteristics
Fur is sparse along its ears, which have black tips.
Tail Morphology
The Cape scrub hare’s tail measures 13 to 15 centimetres (5.1 to 5.9 in) in length, and is black on the upper surface and white below.
Size Comparison to Related Species
This species is typically larger than the African savanna hare.
Weight and Sexual Dimorphism
Adult Cape scrub hares weigh between 3.2 and 4 kilograms (7.1 to 8.8 lb), and females are generally heavier than males.
Geographic Endemism and Habitat Range
The Cape scrub hare is endemic to southern Africa, where it inhabits southwestern Namibia and the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.
Taxonomic Range Revision
Its current recognized range in Namibia and its confirmed absence from southeastern Africa follows taxonomic restrictions applied to the species in 2018.
Social Structure and Diet
Cape scrub hares are solitary herbivores, though they are sometimes found in pairs.
