- Caprolagus hispidus, known as the Hispid Hare or Bristly Rabbit, is a unique lagomorph native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas. This remarkable species represents the only member of its genus and is distinguished by several unusual characteristics that set it apart from other rabbits and hares.
- Physically, the Hispid Hare is characterized by its coarse, bristly fur, which gives it its common name. The animal is relatively large for a rabbit, with adults measuring 47-53 cm in length and weighing between 1.8-2.5 kg. Their fur is dark brown to black on the dorsal surface, with a distinctive grizzled appearance due to the mixing of black and brown hairs. The underparts are white to pale gray, and they possess relatively short ears compared to other hares.
- The species exhibits several unique anatomical adaptations. Unlike most rabbits and hares, they have shorter and broader ears, shorter limbs, and relatively small eyes. These features are adaptations to their dense grassland habitat and more terrestrial lifestyle. Their powerful hind legs, while shorter than those of typical hares, are well-suited for quick, short bursts of speed through thick vegetation.
- Their habitat preferences are highly specific, being confined to early successional tall grasslands, particularly those dominated by species like Saccharum, Narenga, and Themeda. These grasslands, found in the terai and duar regions along the Himalayan foothills, provide both cover and sustenance. The species shows a strong preference for areas with a mix of tall grass and some scattered shrubs.
- Behaviorally, Hispid Hares are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, though they may be active during the day in areas with minimal disturbance. Unlike many lagomorphs, they are known to create and maintain tunnels through the dense grass, which they use as movement corridors and escape routes. These pathways form an important part of their home range structure.
- The diet of Caprolagus hispidus consists mainly of grass species, particularly the base of grass stems, which are rich in nutrients. They also consume other vegetation including leaves, shoots, and bark of shrubs. Unlike many rabbits, they rarely consume agricultural crops, which may be due to their specialized habitat preferences.
- Reproduction in Hispid Hares is less prolific compared to many other lagomorphs. Females typically produce 2-3 litters per year, with each litter containing 2-5 young. The breeding season appears to be influenced by the seasonal growth of grasslands, with peaks in reproductive activity corresponding to periods of optimal vegetation growth.
- One of their most distinctive behaviors is their tendency to remain in small, well-defined areas rather than ranging widely. They create and maintain small clearings within the grassland, which serve as resting and feeding areas. These areas often show signs of regular use, including clipped vegetation and distinctive runways.
- Conservation of the species faces numerous challenges. The Hispid Hare is classified as endangered due to severe habitat loss and fragmentation. Their preferred tall grassland habitat is rapidly disappearing due to agricultural conversion, livestock grazing, and changes in grassland management practices, particularly the elimination of traditional burning regimes that maintained suitable habitat.
- The species’ limited distribution, coupled with its specific habitat requirements, makes it particularly vulnerable to local extinctions. Population estimates are difficult to obtain due to the animals’ secretive nature and the challenging terrain they inhabit, but all indicators suggest significant population declines across their range.
- Research on Caprolagus hispidus has been limited due to their elusive nature and the difficulties of studying animals in dense grassland habitats. Much of their basic biology, including details of their social structure, home range size, and population dynamics, remains poorly understood.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting remaining grassland habitat and implementing appropriate management practices to maintain suitable vegetation structure. Work is also being done to establish protected areas specifically designed to conserve grassland ecosystems and their associated species, including the Hispid Hare.
