Springhare

The Springhare, or Springhaas (Pedetes capensis) is not actually a hare, but a member of the order Rodentia; it is the only species in its family Pedetidae. Synonyms are P. caffer or P. cafer.

The springhare resembles a small kangaroo (although the two are clearly unrelated) with well-developed hind legs, which allows it to leap over 2 meters in a single bound. It is for this ability which it gets its name. This animal grows to be around 35–45 cms in length excluding its long tail, and weighs an average of 3 kg. The tail adds to another 36–47 cms 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 insects.

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