Pedetes surdaster
| East African spring hare | |
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| In Amboseli National Park, Kenya | |
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P. surdaster
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| Pedetes surdaster (Thomas, 1902)
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| File:Pedetes surdaster distribution (colored).png | |
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Pedetes surdaster, the East African spring hare, is not closely related to the hare but is a member of Pedetidae, a rodent family.
Taxonomy
Pedetes surdaster was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African spring hare (Pedetes capensis). This was based on genetic, morphological and ethological differences.[3] It has been found that specimens of Pedetes capensis from South Africa have fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than do Pedetes surdaster which have (2n = 40) and some other genetic variations.[4] The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005.[1]
Distribution
This species is found in central and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. A single specimen has been recorded in Uganda near the Kenya border, at Mount Moroto. It is found from sea level up to an altitude of over 2,000 metres.[1]
Description
The East African spring hare resembles a small kangaroo and is about the size of a rabbit. It is mid-brown, has large erect ears, very short forelegs and long powerful hind legs.[5] It moves in bounds of up to two metres and has a long tail fringed with black hairs which provides balance. It can sit up on its haunches like a squirrel.[6][7]
Ecology
The East African spring hare is nocturnal and spends the day in an extensive system of burrows. It lives in semi-arid grassland habitats.[1] The diet is the green parts of plants, roots and other vegetable matter and occasionally insects.[5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 IUCN Red List
- ↑ Mammal Species of the World
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Matthee, C. A. and Robinson, T. J. 1997a. Molecular phylogeny of the springhare, Pedetes capensis, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. Molecular Biology and Evolution 14 (1) : 20-29.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 On Dipetalonema manson-bahri n.sp., from the Spring-hare, Pedetes surdaster larvalis, with a Note on its Development in Fleas
- ↑ Pedetes surdaster (East African Spring-hare)
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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