A nimble and adaptable hare that roams across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from grassy savannas and open woodlands to farmland edges and scrublands. Unlike the more localized or specialized hares of the world, this species is a generalist survivor, thriving in a wide range of habitats and playing a key role as both grazer and prey in African ecosystems.
In appearance, the African savanna hare looks like a classic hare—slender yet muscular, built for speed and agility. Their ears are long and upright, often tipped with black, and they have a short, fluffy tail, white below and darker above. Their fur varies in color depending on region, usually brown, gray, or reddish, mottled to blend perfectly with the dry grasses and soils of their environment.
Behaviorally, these hares are mostly solitary and nocturnal, resting in shallow depressions called “forms” during the day, where their camouflage helps them disappear into the landscape. At dusk, they become active, foraging on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. They are herbivores with a trick up their sleeve—like rabbits, they practice coprophagy, re-eating their soft droppings to extract extra nutrients from their fibrous diet. When threatened, they rely on their speed and zig-zag running style to evade predators such as jackals, servals, and large raptors.
What makes the African savanna hare especially interesting is its adaptability. It lives in a broad range across the continent, and while it prefers open grasslands, it can also survive in semi-arid areas and even near cultivated fields. This flexibility has made it a common species despite heavy predation, hunting, and habitat change. It also serves as an important food source for both humans and wild carnivores, maintaining its place in the food web.
Distribution
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
Chad
Côte D’ivoire
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea
Kenya
Lesotho
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
South Africa
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
Zambia
ZimbabweAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
