The hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus), also called Assam rabbit and bristly rabbit, is a leporid native to South Asia, whose historic range extended along the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Today, its habitat is highly fragmented with an area of occupancy estimated at less than 500 km2 (190 sq mi) extending over an area of 5,000 to 20,000 km2 (1,900 to 7,700 sq mi). Populations experienced a continuing decline in suitable habitat due to increasing agriculture, flood control, and human development. It is therefore listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986.[1] It is the only species in the genusCaprolagus.
The hispid hare has a harsh and bristly coat. Its ears are very short and do not project beyond the fur.[2] The coat is dark brown on the back due to a mixture of black and brown hairs; brown on the chest and whitish on the abdomen. The tail is brown and about 30 mm (1.2 in) long. In body weight males range from 1,810 to 2,610 g (64 to 92 oz) with a mean of 2,248 g (79.3 oz). Females weigh on average 2,518 g (88.8 oz); a heavily pregnant female weighing 3,210 g (113 oz) was included in this statistical mean weight.[3]
The historical range of the hispid hare extended from Uttar Pradesh through southern Nepal, the northern region of West BengaltoAssam and into Bangladesh. Today, its distribution is sporadic in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan. It inhabits tracts of early successional tall grasslands and takes refuge in marshy areas or grasses adjacent to river banks during the dry season, when these areas are susceptible to burning.[3]
The population in the extensive grasslands of Shuklaphanta National Park may be of international significance.[6]
In January 2016, a hispid hare was recorded in Chitwan National Park for the first time since 1984.[7]
^Pearson, J. T. (1839). "18. Lepus hispidus". Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London. VII: 152.
^ abcBell, D. J.; Oliver, W. L. R.; Ghose, R. K. (1990). "Chapter 9: The Hispid Hare Caprolagus Hispidus". In Chapman, J. A.; Flux, J. E. C. (eds.). Rabbits, Hares, and Pikas: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Gland, Switzerland: International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. pp. 128–137. ISBN978-2831700199.
