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{{Short description|Species of rodent}}
{{Short description|Species of rodent}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=December 2007}}
{{Expert needed|Mammals|ex2=Rodents|ex3=Africa|reason=need additional citations|date=June 2012}}
⚫
}}
{{speciesbox
{{speciesbox
| name = South African springhare
| name = South African springhare
| fossil_range =[[Calabrian]] to recent<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fossilworks: Yerbua capensis|url=http://fossilworks.org/bridge.pl?a=taxonInfo&taxon_no=234843&is_real_user=1|access-date=2021-06-12|website=fossilworks.org}}</ref>
| fossil_range =[[Calabrian (stage)|Calabrian]] to present<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fossilworks: Yerbua capensis|url=https://paleobiodb.org/classic/checkTaxonInfo?taxon_no=234843|access-date=17 December 2021|website=fossilworks.org}}</ref>
{{Fossil range|1.8|0}}
{{Fossil range|1.8|0}}
| image = Spring Hare (Pedetes capensis) (6042009463).jpg
| image = Spring Hare (Pedetes capensis) (6042009463).jpg
| status = CD
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{Cite iucn | author = Child, M.F. | title = ''Pedetes capensis'' | volume = 2016 | page = e.T16467A115133584 }}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{Cite iucn | title=''Pedetes capensis'' |errata=2017 |author=Child, M.F. |date=2016 |page=e.T16467A115133584}}</ref>
| genus = Pedetes
| genus = Pedetes
| species = capensis
| species = capensis
| authority = ([[Johann Reinhold Forster|Forster]], 1778)
| authority = ([[Johann Reinhold Forster|Forster]], 1778)
| synonyms =
| synonyms =
''Yerbua capensis'' <ref name="iucn" />
*''Yerbua capensis'' <ref name="iucn" />
⚫
*''Pedetes albaniensis''
⚫
*''Pedetes angolae''
⚫
*''Pedetes cafer''
⚫
*''Pedetes damarensis''
⚫
*''Pedetes fouriei''
⚫
*''Pedetes orangiae''
⚫
*''Pedetes salinae''
⚫
*''Pedetes typicus'' <ref name = MSW3>{{MSW3 Pedetidae | id = 13200003 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Kingdon, Jonathan.|title=Mammals of Africa.|date=2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|others=Happold, D. |isbn=978-1-4081-8996-2|location=London|oclc=854973585}}</ref>
⚫
| range_map = South African springhare Pedetes capensis distribution map.png
⚫
| range_map_caption = South African springhare range.<ref name=iucn/>
⚫
}}


⚫
The '''South African springhare''' ('''''Pedetes capensis''''') ({{langx|af|springhaas}}) 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]]'',<ref name="MSW3">{{MSW3 Pedetidae | id = 13200003 }}</ref> and is native to southern Africa. Formerly, the genus was considered [[monotypic]] and the [[East African springhare]] (''P. surdaster'') was included in ''P. capensis''.<ref>Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. (1997). Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography and comparative cytogenetics of the springhare, ''Pedetes capensis'' (Mammalia: Rodentia). Journal of Mammalian Evolution 4: 53–73.</ref><ref>Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. (1997). Molecular phylogeny of the springhare, ''Pedetes capensis'', based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. Molecular Biology and Evolution 14 (1): 20–29.</ref>
⚫
''Pedetes albaniensis''


Springhares live throughout semi-arid areas in southern Africa, preferentially in sandy plains and pans with short grasses.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Kingdon|first=Jonathan|title=The Kingdon field guide to African mammals|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing Plc|year=2015|isbn=978-1-4729-1236-7|pages=255–256}}</ref> In agricultural areas, springhares can be considered a pest due to their destructive feeding on crops.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Butynski|first=T. M.|date=1973|title=Life history and economic value of the springhare (Pedetes capensis forster) in Botswana|journal=Botswana Notes and Records}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last1=Peinke|first1=D.M.|last2=Brown|first2=C.R.|date=2005-04-01|title=Burrow utilization by springhares (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa|url=https://doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2005.11407307|journal=African Zoology|volume=40|issue=1|pages=37–44|doi=10.1080/15627020.2005.11407307|s2cid=54731984|issn=1562-7020}}</ref> However, they are not currently considered under an impending risk of extinction.<ref name=":0" />
⚫
''Pedetes angolae''


⚫
== Characteristics ==
⚫
''Pedetes cafer''
⚫
[[Image:SpringhaasSkelLyd.jpg|thumb|South African springhare skeleton]]
The springhare resembles a small [[kangaroo]] with well-developed hind legs, short front legs, and a long tail which comprises half of its body length. As well as a long tail, springhares have relatively large eyes and ears.<ref name=":2" /> Adults can attain {{cvt|80|cm}} in length and weigh an average of {{cvt|2.7-3.5|kg}}. Similar to kangaroos, they are also [[Glossary of entomology terms#saltatorial|saltatorial]] animals who use their tails for balance. Springhares are reported to be able to make hops of {{cvt|20|cm}} and leaps of {{cvt|2|m}}.<ref name=":2" />


Springhares have long, soft fur, which shortens around the legs, heads, and ears.<ref name=":2" /> The colour of this mammal varies from a reddish-brown on its upperparts to an off-white belly and a black tip on the tail.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book|last1=Stuart|first1=Chris|title=Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa|last2=Stuart|first2=Tilde|publisher=Struik Nature|year=2007|pages=100}}</ref> Sometimes the ear tips are also black.<ref name=":1" /> Young springhares have finer and fluffier fur and usually have black patches of fur under their hind feet and in a patch of black under their tail base.<ref name=":2" />
⚫
''Pedetes damarensis''


Springhares have a different number of toes on their forelegs and hindlegs. Their short forelegs have five digits, each ending in a long, sharp, curved claw, which can be 16 millimetres long. their long hindlegs have four digits, three of which are visibly developed and equipped with a strong triangular nail.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />
⚫
''Pedetes fouriei''


The oldest recorded individual was 88 months (7 years and 4 months) old.<ref name=":8" />
⚫
''Pedetes orangiae''


=== Biofluorescence ===
⚫
''Pedetes salinae''
Springhare fur is biofluorescent.<ref name=":7">{{Cite journal|last1=Olson|first1=Erik R.|last2=Carlson|first2=Michaela R.|last3=Ramanujam|first3=V. M. Sadagopa|last4=Sears|first4=Lindsay|last5=Anthony|first5=Sharon E.|last6=Anich|first6=Paula Spaeth|last7=Ramon|first7=Leigh|last8=Hulstrand|first8=Alissa|last9=Jurewicz|first9=Michaela|last10=Gunnelson|first10=Adam S.|last11=Kohler|first11=Allison M.|date=2021-02-18|title=Vivid biofluorescence discovered in the nocturnal Springhare (Pedetidae)|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83588-0|journal=Scientific Reports|volume=11|issue=1|page=4125|doi=10.1038/s41598-021-83588-0|pmid=33603032| pmc=7892538|bibcode=2021NatSR..11.4125O|issn=2045-2322}}</ref> Their biofluorescence is patchy, with areas important to grooming and intra-specific interactions being the most biofluorescent. Little is known about its biofluorescence, but both species of springhare are the first thoroughly documented cases of biofluorescence in an [[Old World]] [[eutheria]]n mammal.<ref name=":7" />


=== Regeneration ===
⚫
''Pedetes typicus'' <ref name = MSW3>{{MSW3 Pedetidae | id = 13200003 }}</ref> <ref>{{Cite book|last=Kingdon, Jonathan.|title=Mammals of Africa.|date=2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|others=Happold, David.|isbn=978-1-4081-8996-2|location=London|oclc=854973585}}</ref>
In a study of ear regeneration in mammals, springhares were found to have the capacity for minimal ear tissue regeneration. This regeneration is far behind to that of [[European rabbit|rabbits]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last=C|first=Williams-Boyce, P K Daniel, J|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/677566422|title=Comparison of ear tissue regeneration in mammals.|journal=Journal of Anatomy|date=December 1986|volume=149|pages=55–63|pmid=3693110|pmc=1261633|oclc=677566422}}</ref>
⚫
| range_map = South African springhare Pedetes capensis distribution map.png
⚫
| range_map_caption = South African springhare range.<ref name=iucn/>
}}


== Ecology and behaviour ==
⚫
The '''South African springhare''' ({{lang-af|springhaas}}) (''Pedetes capensis'') is a large and unusual [[rodent]]. Despite the name, it is not a [[hare]]. It is one of two extant species in the genus ''[[Pedetes]]'',<ref name="MSW3">{{MSW3 Pedetidae | id = 13200003 }}</ref> and is native to southern Africa. Formerly, the genus was considered [[monotypic]] and the [[East African springhare]] (''P. surdaster'') was included in ''P. capensis''.<ref>Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. (1997). Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography and comparative cytogenetics of the springhare, ''Pedetes capensis'' (Mammalia: Rodentia). Journal of Mammalian Evolution 4: 53–73.</ref><ref>Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. (1997). Molecular phylogeny of the springhare, ''Pedetes capensis'', based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. Molecular Biology and Evolution 14 (1): 20–29.</ref>
Springhares are nocturnal animals, who forage during the night and retreat to a burrow during the day. While sleeping in their burrows, springhares sleep standing, with their head and forelimbs bent down in between their hindlegs, and their tail wrapped around their feet.<ref name=":2" />


These animals are predated upon by a variety of predators, including humans; at least 21 species prey on springhares in the [[Kalahari Desert|Kalahari]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal|last=Butynski|first=Thomas M.|date=1979|title=Reproductive ecology of the Springhaas Pedetes capensis in Botswana|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1979.tb03960.x|journal=Journal of Zoology|language=en|volume=189|issue=2|pages=221–232|doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.1979.tb03960.x|issn=1469-7998}}</ref>
⚫
== Characteristics ==

⚫
[[Image:SpringhaasSkelLyd.jpg|thumb|left]]
=== Burrowing ===
The springhare resembles a small [[kangaroo]], with well-developed hind legs, which allows it to leap over {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} in a single bound. It gets its name from this ability. This animal grows to be around {{convert|35|-|45|cm|abbr=on}} in length excluding its long tail, and weighs an average of {{convert|3|kg|abbr=on}}. The tail adds to another {{convert|36|-|47|cm|abbr=on}} in length. The colour of this mammal varies from a reddish-brown to a pale grey, with a black tip on the tail. The springhare lives only in south-eastern [[Africa]], feeding on plant matter and even occasionally [[insect]]s. They have four toes on their hind feet with claws that look like small [[hoof|hooves]]; these are wider than those found on the fore feet. They have a thick, muscular neck supporting their short head. They also have large eyes, and their ears have a [[tragus (ear)|tragus]] that prevents sand from entering when they are digging.{{cn|date=June 2012}}
Springhares are burrowing animals. They dig their own burrows on well-drained sandy soils, preferentially during the wet season.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|last1=Butynski|first1=Thomas M.|last2=Mattingly|first2=Rosanna|date=1979|title=Burrow structure and fossorial ecology of the springhare Pedetes capensis in Botswana|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2028.1979.tb00257.x|journal=African Journal of Ecology|language=en|volume=17|issue=4|pages=205–215|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2028.1979.tb00257.x|issn=1365-2028}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
{{Blockquote|text=The front claws loosen soil from the burrow wall while the teeth cut through roots. The front feet toss the soil beneath the body and the hind feet kick it further back. When the pile of loosened soil is large enough, the springhare turns around, and with its chin, chest and front feet held up against the pile, it pushes the soil to the entrance with thrusts of the hind feet.|author=Butynski & Mattingly|title=Burrow structure and fossorial ecology of the springhare ''Pedetes capensis'' in Botswana|source=''African Journal of Ecology'' (1979)}}
Burrows are often located near trees or shrubs, which are sparse in the typical springhare habitat. It is thought they may help with concealment as well as providing a point of reference back to the burrow.<ref name=":6" /> A springhare's burrow is 20&nbsp;cm in diameter, may be up to 1 meter deep and up to 7 meters long. Burrows may cover an area of up to 170 m<sup>2</sup>.<ref name=":0" /> They usually have several entrances. Two types of entrances can be distinguished, one which is very visible thanks to the pile of sand present at the opening, and the other one which is a "hidden" entrance with no soil to mark its presence.<ref name=":2" />

Springhares remain close to one of their burrow entrances while feeding and if disturbed, they return to their own burrows, ignoring other burrows in the way.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" /> Radio-tracked springhares used burrows in areas covering 0.6 to 28.5 ha.<ref name=":3" />

Springhares tend to only reside in any given burrow for a few consecutive days at most.<ref name=":0" /> In a study of their burrowing activities in South Africa, they found that springhares used 4 to 27 different burrows, and most burrows (70%) were only ever used by a single springhare. Very few burrows were used by more than two animals. In the same study, they found cohabitation (two springhares using the same burrow at the same time) to be very rare.<ref name=":3" /> The same burrows may be used throughout generations and expanded, with new tunnels added as needed.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Peinke|first1=D.M.|last2=Brown|first2=C.R.|date=April 2005|title=Burrow utilization by springhares (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15627020.2005.11407307|journal=African Zoology|volume=40|issue=1|pages=37–44|doi=10.1080/15627020.2005.11407307|s2cid=54731984|issn=1562-7020}}</ref> While springhares have not been seen defending their burrows or territory, they mark the burrows with their perineal glands secretions, or by urinating at the burrow entrance, probably to warn other springhares that a specific burrow is occupied.<ref name=":0" />

Springhares are able to plug entrances to their burrows with soil. Two plug types were distinguished. Temporary plugs formed from the inside of the burrow, probably aimed at avoiding predators entering a burrow. Permanent plugs were long (0.5 – 3 m) and sometimes filled entire tunnel branches.<ref name=":6" />

⚫
The springhare's unoccupied burrows are sometimes used for hiding during the daytime by a number of other species, including the [[black-footed cat]] and the [[ground pangolin]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ewt.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51.-Springhare-Pedetes-capensis_LC.pdf|title=Pedetes capensis – Springhare|last1=Relton|first1=Claire|authorlink=|last2=Child|first2=Matthew|date=Feb 2019|website=Mammal Red List 2016|publisher=[[Endangered Wildlife Trust]] and [[South African National Biodiversity Institute]]|others=Assessed by Dean Peinke; Assessed by Beryl Wilson; Reviewed by Corne Anderson|access-date=25 Apr 2020|last3=Avenant|first3=Nico|last4=Avery|first4=Margaret|last5=Baxter|first5=Rod|last6=Monadjem|first6=Ara|last7=Palmer|first7=Guy|last8=Taylor|first8=Peter|archive-date=30 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630124426/https://www.ewt.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51.-Springhare-Pedetes-capensis_LC.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Feeding and foraging ===
Springhares are herbivorous, eating a variety of plant matter, such as roots, stems, leaves, and seeds.<ref name=":2" /> However, springhares are picky eaters and often leave abundant plant materials behind in their feeding grounds.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":8">{{Cite book|last=Michael.|first=Peinke, Dean|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/733096872|title=The ecology and physiology of the springhare (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa|date=2000|publisher=[publisher not identified]|oclc=733096872}}</ref> On occasion, springhares may feed on insects such as beetles or locusts, or even carrion.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Peinke|first1=D. M.|last2=Brown|first2=C. R.|date=2006-10-01|title=Habitat use by the southern springhare (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa : research article|url=https://journals.co.za/doi/10.10520/EJC117252|journal=South African Journal of Wildlife Research |volume=36|issue=2|pages=103–111|hdl=10520/EJC117252}}</ref>


Springhares feed at night and can range 150 – 400 m away of one of their burrows.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":5" /> They may feed in large groups of up to nine individuals.<ref name=":1" /> In these instances, they do not display aggression or territorial behaviours.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":6" />
Springhares breed throughout the year. The females give birth to a single young about three times a year. Unlike some other rodents, which have blind and hairless young, springhares are born furred, and are active within a very short time of birth. However, they are not [[weaning|weaned]] and do not leave the burrow until they are about half grown. This extended period of parental care helps to mitigate a birthrate that is, among rodents, remarkably low.<ref name=EoM>{{cite book|editor= Macdonald, D.|author= Butynski, Thomas M.|year= 1984|title= The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher= Facts on File|location= New York|pages= [https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/634 634–635]|isbn= 0-87196-871-1|url-access= registration|url= https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/634}}</ref>


== Behaviour ==
=== Reproduction ===
Springhares breed throughout the year and have a gestation period of about 77 days. The females give birth to a single young about three times a year.<ref name=":1" /> Moreover, females can be lactating and in the early stages of pregnancy at the same time.<ref name=":8" />
Springhares are mostly [[nocturnal animal|nocturnal]], but are occasionally active in the day. During the daytime, they live in tunnels that they dig. They plug the entrance of the hole with soil from the inside of the tunnel. It is easier for them to dig during the rainy season when the soil is wet. Sometimes, they leap out of their burrows when they come out at night. The springhare jumps like a kangaroo on its hind legs, retreating to its burrow when frightened.{{cn|date=June 2012}}


Their ability to reproduce year-round is thought to be attributable to their highly selective diet (choosing only the best parts of the plant), their wide range of foods available to them (above and underground), and their behavioural and physical adaptations to living in arid and semi-arid conditions.<ref name=":8" />
Springhares tend to only reside in any given burrow for a few consecutive days at most.<ref name=":0" /> They tend to make three burrows together in a circular shape. These burrows are mostly found near the largest tree or bush within their home range. The springhare's [[home range]] is within {{convert|25|to|250|m|abbr=on}} of its burrow. It may expand its area during a drought.{{cn|date=June 2012}}


Springhares give birth in a burrow to a furred young of about 250 - 300 g. Springhares usually give birth to a single young, but birthing twins is known to occur. While the young remains at the burrow, the mother stops the usual behaviour of moving burrows every couple of days. She is bound to the burrow where her young is, who depends entirely on her milk.<ref name=":5" /> The young stays in the burrow for approximately seven weeks until they attain a body weight of approximately 1.3&nbsp;kg.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":6" /> The extended period of parental care may help mitigate a birthrate that is, among rodents, remarkably low.<ref name="EoM">{{cite book|author=Butynski, Thomas M.|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/634|title=The Encyclopedia of Mammals|publisher=Facts on File|year=1984|isbn=0-87196-871-1|editor=Macdonald, D.|location=New York|pages=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofma00mals_0/page/634 634–635]|url-access=registration}}</ref>
⚫
The springhare's unoccupied burrows are sometimes used for hiding during the daytime by a number of other species, including the [[black-footed cat]] and the [[ground pangolin]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ewt.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/51.-Springhare-Pedetes-capensis_LC.pdf|title=Pedetes capensis – Springhare|last=Relton|first=Claire|authorlink=|last2=Child|first2=Matthew|date=Feb 2019|website=Mammal Red List 2016|publisher=[[Endangered Wildlife Trust]] and [[South African National Biodiversity Institute]]|others=Assessed by Dean Peinke; Assessed by Beryl Wilson; Reviewed by Corne Anderson|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=25 Apr 2020|last3=Avenant|first3=Nico|last4=Avery|first4=Margaret|last5=Baxter|first5=Rod|last6=Monadjem|first6=Ara|last7=Palmer|first7=Guy|last8=Taylor|first8=Peter}}</ref>


== Traditional human uses ==
The South African springhare is listed as a species of least concern by the [[International Union for Conservation of Nature|IUCN]].<ref name="iucn" />
[[San people|San]] and [[Batswana|baTswana]] people both traditionally make use of springhares.<ref name=":2" /> Both groups of people hunt springhares, which can yield up to 1360 g (3&nbsp;lb.) of meat. Aside from the meat, San people use springhare skins for a variety of uses, such as bags, mats, karosses (garments or blankets made from sewn animal skins) and hats. The tail provides sinew for sewing, and an ornamental belt that produces sounds can be made by tying springhare toes on a string.<ref name=":2" />


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 59: Line 83:
File:Pedetes-capensis-skull.jpg|Skull of a South African springhare
File:Pedetes-capensis-skull.jpg|Skull of a South African springhare
File:Biofluorescence in captive springhare, Pedetes capensis - 41598 2021 83588 Fig3.png|[[Biofluorescence]] in captive South African springhare
File:Biofluorescence in captive springhare, Pedetes capensis - 41598 2021 83588 Fig3.png|[[Biofluorescence]] in captive South African springhare
File:Pedetes capensis (South African Springhare).jpg|A hopping springhare.
File:Pedetes capensis - Royal Museum for Central Africa - DSC06757.JPG|A taxidermied springhare in a museum collection.
File:Spring Hare (Pedetes capensis) (6041551291).jpg|Springhare standing up.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 77: Line 104:
[[Category:Extant Zanclean first appearances]]
[[Category:Extant Zanclean first appearances]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1778|South African springhare]]
[[Category:Mammals described in 1778|South African springhare]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Johann Reinhold Forster]]


[[fr:Lièvre sauteur]]
[[fr:Lièvre sauteur]]

Latest revision as of 08:59, 18 November 2024

South African springhare
Temporal range: Calabrian to present[1] 1.8–0 Ma
↓
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Rodentia
Family: Pedetidae
Genus: Pedetes
Species:
P. capensis
Binomial name
Pedetes capensis
(Forster, 1778)
South African springhare range.[2]
Synonyms
  • Yerbua capensis [2]
  • Pedetes albaniensis
  • Pedetes angolae
  • Pedetes cafer
  • Pedetes damarensis
  • Pedetes fouriei
  • Pedetes orangiae
  • Pedetes salinae
  • Pedetes typicus [3][4]

The South African springhare (Pedetes capensis) (Afrikaans: springhaas) 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,[3] and is native to southern Africa. Formerly, the genus was considered monotypic and the East African springhare (P. surdaster) was included in P. capensis.[5][6]

Springhares live throughout semi-arid areas in southern Africa, preferentially in sandy plains and pans with short grasses.[7] In agricultural areas, springhares can be considered a pest due to their destructive feeding on crops.[8][9] However, they are not currently considered under an impending risk of extinction.[10]

Characteristics

[edit]
South African springhare skeleton

The springhare resembles a small kangaroo with well-developed hind legs, short front legs, and a long tail which comprises half of its body length. As well as a long tail, springhares have relatively large eyes and ears.[8] Adults can attain 80 cm (31 in) in length and weigh an average of 2.7–3.5 kg (6.0–7.7 lb). Similar to kangaroos, they are also saltatorial animals who use their tails for balance. Springhares are reported to be able to make hops of 20 cm (7.9 in) and leaps of 2 m (6 ft 7 in).[8]

Springhares have long, soft fur, which shortens around the legs, heads, and ears.[8] The colour of this mammal varies from a reddish-brown on its upperparts to an off-white belly and a black tip on the tail.[11] Sometimes the ear tips are also black.[7] Young springhares have finer and fluffier fur and usually have black patches of fur under their hind feet and in a patch of black under their tail base.[8]

Springhares have a different number of toes on their forelegs and hindlegs. Their short forelegs have five digits, each ending in a long, sharp, curved claw, which can be 16 millimetres long. their long hindlegs have four digits, three of which are visibly developed and equipped with a strong triangular nail.[7][8][11]

The oldest recorded individual was 88 months (7 years and 4 months) old.[12]

Biofluorescence

[edit]

Springhare fur is biofluorescent.[13] Their biofluorescence is patchy, with areas important to grooming and intra-specific interactions being the most biofluorescent. Little is known about its biofluorescence, but both species of springhare are the first thoroughly documented cases of biofluorescence in an Old World eutherian mammal.[13]

Regeneration

[edit]

In a study of ear regeneration in mammals, springhares were found to have the capacity for minimal ear tissue regeneration. This regeneration is far behind to that of rabbits.[14]

Ecology and behaviour

[edit]

Springhares are nocturnal animals, who forage during the night and retreat to a burrow during the day. While sleeping in their burrows, springhares sleep standing, with their head and forelimbs bent down in between their hindlegs, and their tail wrapped around their feet.[8]

These animals are predated upon by a variety of predators, including humans; at least 21 species prey on springhares in the Kalahari.[15]

Burrowing

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Springhares are burrowing animals. They dig their own burrows on well-drained sandy soils, preferentially during the wet season.[16][9]

The front claws loosen soil from the burrow wall while the teeth cut through roots. The front feet toss the soil beneath the body and the hind feet kick it further back. When the pile of loosened soil is large enough, the springhare turns around, and with its chin, chest and front feet held up against the pile, it pushes the soil to the entrance with thrusts of the hind feet.

— Butynski & Mattingly, Burrow structure and fossorial ecology of the springhare Pedetes capensis in Botswana, African Journal of Ecology (1979)

Burrows are often located near trees or shrubs, which are sparse in the typical springhare habitat. It is thought they may help with concealment as well as providing a point of reference back to the burrow.[16] A springhare's burrow is 20 cm in diameter, may be up to 1 meter deep and up to 7 meters long. Burrows may cover an area of up to 170 m2.[10] They usually have several entrances. Two types of entrances can be distinguished, one which is very visible thanks to the pile of sand present at the opening, and the other one which is a "hidden" entrance with no soil to mark its presence.[8]

Springhares remain close to one of their burrow entrances while feeding and if disturbed, they return to their own burrows, ignoring other burrows in the way.[9][16] Radio-tracked springhares used burrows in areas covering 0.6 to 28.5 ha.[9]

Springhares tend to only reside in any given burrow for a few consecutive days at most.[10] In a study of their burrowing activities in South Africa, they found that springhares used 4 to 27 different burrows, and most burrows (70%) were only ever used by a single springhare. Very few burrows were used by more than two animals. In the same study, they found cohabitation (two springhares using the same burrow at the same time) to be very rare.[9] The same burrows may be used throughout generations and expanded, with new tunnels added as needed.[16][17] While springhares have not been seen defending their burrows or territory, they mark the burrows with their perineal glands secretions, or by urinating at the burrow entrance, probably to warn other springhares that a specific burrow is occupied.[10]

Springhares are able to plug entrances to their burrows with soil. Two plug types were distinguished. Temporary plugs formed from the inside of the burrow, probably aimed at avoiding predators entering a burrow. Permanent plugs were long (0.5 – 3 m) and sometimes filled entire tunnel branches.[16]

The springhare's unoccupied burrows are sometimes used for hiding during the daytime by a number of other species, including the black-footed cat and the ground pangolin.[10]

Feeding and foraging

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Springhares are herbivorous, eating a variety of plant matter, such as roots, stems, leaves, and seeds.[8] However, springhares are picky eaters and often leave abundant plant materials behind in their feeding grounds.[9][12] On occasion, springhares may feed on insects such as beetles or locusts, or even carrion.[18]

Springhares feed at night and can range 150 – 400 m away of one of their burrows.[7][15] They may feed in large groups of up to nine individuals.[7] In these instances, they do not display aggression or territorial behaviours.[9][16]

Reproduction

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Springhares breed throughout the year and have a gestation period of about 77 days. The females give birth to a single young about three times a year.[7] Moreover, females can be lactating and in the early stages of pregnancy at the same time.[12]

Their ability to reproduce year-round is thought to be attributable to their highly selective diet (choosing only the best parts of the plant), their wide range of foods available to them (above and underground), and their behavioural and physical adaptations to living in arid and semi-arid conditions.[12]

Springhares give birth in a burrow to a furred young of about 250 - 300 g. Springhares usually give birth to a single young, but birthing twins is known to occur. While the young remains at the burrow, the mother stops the usual behaviour of moving burrows every couple of days. She is bound to the burrow where her young is, who depends entirely on her milk.[15] The young stays in the burrow for approximately seven weeks until they attain a body weight of approximately 1.3 kg.[8][16] The extended period of parental care may help mitigate a birthrate that is, among rodents, remarkably low.[19]

Traditional human uses

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San and baTswana people both traditionally make use of springhares.[8] Both groups of people hunt springhares, which can yield up to 1360 g (3 lb.) of meat. Aside from the meat, San people use springhare skins for a variety of uses, such as bags, mats, karosses (garments or blankets made from sewn animal skins) and hats. The tail provides sinew for sewing, and an ornamental belt that produces sounds can be made by tying springhare toes on a string.[8]

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  • Skull of a South African springhare
    Skull of a South African springhare
  • Biofluorescence in captive South African springhare
    Biofluorescence in captive South African springhare
  • A hopping springhare.
    A hopping springhare.
  • A taxidermied springhare in a museum collection.
    A taxidermied springhare in a museum collection.
  • Springhare standing up.
    Springhare standing up.

References

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  1. ^ "Fossilworks: Yerbua capensis". fossilworks.org. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Child, M.F. (2017) [errata version of 2016 assessment]. "Pedetes capensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T16467A115133584.
  3. ^ a b Dieterlen, F. (2005). "Family Pedetidae". In Wilson, D.E.; Reeder, D.M (eds.). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference (3rd ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press. p. 1535. ISBN 978-0-8018-8221-0. OCLC 62265494.
  4. ^ Kingdon, Jonathan. (2013). Mammals of Africa. Happold, D. London: Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4081-8996-2. OCLC 854973585.
  5. ^ Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. (1997). Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography and comparative cytogenetics of the springhare, Pedetes capensis (Mammalia: Rodentia). Journal of Mammalian Evolution 4: 53–73.
  6. ^ Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. (1997). Molecular phylogeny of the springhare, Pedetes capensis, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. Molecular Biology and Evolution 14 (1): 20–29.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Kingdon, Jonathan (2015). The Kingdon field guide to African mammals. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. pp. 255–256. ISBN 978-1-4729-1236-7.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Butynski, T. M. (1973). "Life history and economic value of the springhare (Pedetes capensis forster) in Botswana". Botswana Notes and Records.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g Peinke, D.M.; Brown, C.R. (2005-04-01). "Burrow utilization by springhares (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa". African Zoology. 40 (1): 37–44. doi:10.1080/15627020.2005.11407307. ISSN 1562-7020. S2CID 54731984.
  10. ^ a b c d e Relton, Claire; Child, Matthew; Avenant, Nico; Avery, Margaret; Baxter, Rod; Monadjem, Ara; Palmer, Guy; Taylor, Peter (Feb 2019). "Pedetes capensis – Springhare" (PDF). Mammal Red List 2016. Assessed by Dean Peinke; Assessed by Beryl Wilson; Reviewed by Corne Anderson. Endangered Wildlife Trust and South African National Biodiversity Institute. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 June 2019. Retrieved 25 Apr 2020.
  11. ^ a b Stuart, Chris; Stuart, Tilde (2007). Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa. Struik Nature. p. 100.
  12. ^ a b c d Michael., Peinke, Dean (2000). The ecology and physiology of the springhare (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. [publisher not identified]. OCLC 733096872.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  13. ^ a b Olson, Erik R.; Carlson, Michaela R.; Ramanujam, V. M. Sadagopa; Sears, Lindsay; Anthony, Sharon E.; Anich, Paula Spaeth; Ramon, Leigh; Hulstrand, Alissa; Jurewicz, Michaela; Gunnelson, Adam S.; Kohler, Allison M. (2021-02-18). "Vivid biofluorescence discovered in the nocturnal Springhare (Pedetidae)". Scientific Reports. 11 (1): 4125. Bibcode:2021NatSR..11.4125O. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-83588-0. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 7892538. PMID 33603032.
  14. ^ C, Williams-Boyce, P K Daniel, J (December 1986). "Comparison of ear tissue regeneration in mammals". Journal of Anatomy. 149: 55–63. OCLC 677566422. PMC 1261633. PMID 3693110.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ a b c Butynski, Thomas M. (1979). "Reproductive ecology of the Springhaas Pedetes capensis in Botswana". Journal of Zoology. 189 (2): 221–232. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7998.1979.tb03960.x. ISSN 1469-7998.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g Butynski, Thomas M.; Mattingly, Rosanna (1979). "Burrow structure and fossorial ecology of the springhare Pedetes capensis in Botswana". African Journal of Ecology. 17 (4): 205–215. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2028.1979.tb00257.x. ISSN 1365-2028.
  17. ^ Peinke, D.M.; Brown, C.R. (April 2005). "Burrow utilization by springhares (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape, South Africa". African Zoology. 40 (1): 37–44. doi:10.1080/15627020.2005.11407307. ISSN 1562-7020. S2CID 54731984.
  18. ^ Peinke, D. M.; Brown, C. R. (2006-10-01). "Habitat use by the southern springhare (Pedetes capensis) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa : research article". South African Journal of Wildlife Research. 36 (2): 103–111. hdl:10520/EJC117252.
  19. ^ Butynski, Thomas M. (1984). Macdonald, D. (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Mammals. New York: Facts on File. pp. 634–635. ISBN 0-87196-871-1.
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