The Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis), also known as the black-naped hare, is a common species of hare native to the Indian subcontinent, and Java. Its habitat in Java is in rocky highlands.
Description
The Indian hare has a head and body length of 40–60 cm (16–24 in), long ears, large, well-furred hind feet, and a rather long tail of about 10 cm (3.9 in) and weighs up to 6 kg (13 lb).
Distribution and habitat
The Indian hare inhabits open grassy areas, cultivated plains, semi-arid and arid plains, and hills throughout the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
Behaviour and ecology
Its activity pattern has been defined as crepuscular and nocturnal.
Introductions
It has been introduced to Madagascar, Comoro Islands, Andaman Islands, Western New Guinea, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, Mayotte, Mauritius and Réunion.
Taxonomy
There are seven recognized subspecies of Indian hare.
- Lepus nigricollis aryabertensis
- Lepus nigricollis dayanus
- Lepus nigricollis nigricollis
- Lepus nigricollis ruficaudatus
- Lepus nigricollis sadiya
- Lepus nigricollis simcoxi
- Lepus nigricollis singhala
References
