Springhare

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The Springhare (Pedetes capensis) has long ears and a rabbit-like head. It is in fact not a hare but a rodent, and the only large jumping, bipedal rodent in this region. With its short front and large hind legs, it appears and behaves like a dwarf Kangaroo. The upper body parts are yellow-brown, cinnamon or rufous-brown in colour. They have a prominent dark tail tip and the underparts vary from orange to white, and both sexes look alike. Springhares feed on grass roots, corms, stems, seeds and leaves and seek out green grasses which are high in protein and water. Springhares forage on all fours but sit on their hind feet and tail while eating so as to manipulate the food with their forefeet.

WEIGHT MALE: 3 KG

WEIGHT FEMALE: 3 KG

HEIGHT MALE: 40 CM (with tail of 44cm) 

HEIGHT FEMALE: 40 CM (with tail of 44cm)

MATING SEASON: THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Weights & shoulder heights are averages

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