South African Springhare

Pedetes capensis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Mammalia · Rodentia · Pedetidae

About

The South African springhare is a medium-sized terrestrial and burrowing rodent. Despite the name, it is not a hare. It is one of two extant species in the genus Pedetes, and is native to southern Africa. Formerly, the genus was considered monotypic and the East African springhare was included in P. capensis.

Fun Fact

A springhare's burrow is 20 cm in diameter, may be up to 1 meter deep and up to 7 meters long.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Sandy grasslands

Diet

Herbivore

Lifespan

8-14 years

Threats

Agricultural Conversion
Invasive Species

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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