A widespread and adaptable mammal found throughout the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits a wide range of environments—from dry scrublands and grasslands to agricultural fields, forest edges, and even urban fringes. This flexibility has made the Indian hare one of the most commonly seen wild mammals in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
One of the most recognizable features of the Indian hare is the black patch or streak on the back of its neck, which gives the species its common name. Its coat is typically a warm brown with speckled gray, providing excellent camouflage among grasses and dry soil. The hare’s long, powerful hind legs allow it to run at impressive speeds and make sharp, zigzag escapes when threatened. Its large eyes are positioned high and to the sides of the head, giving it a wide field of vision—an essential adaptation for detecting predators such as foxes, jackals, eagles, owls, and feral dogs.
The Indian hare is primarily a crepuscular and nocturnal animal, becoming active in the early evening and night to feed on grasses, herbs, leaves, crops, and bark. During the daytime, it rests in shallow depressions called “forms,” where it sits very still and blends into the surrounding vegetation. Unlike rabbits, hares do not dig burrows; instead, they rely on speed, camouflage, and awareness to survive. When startled, the Indian hare may freeze completely before suddenly sprinting away in a burst of energy, often confusing predators with unpredictable turns.
Socially, the Indian hare is mostly solitary, though individuals may be seen feeding near each other when food is abundant. Its reproduction strategy is similar to that of other hares: females, called does, give birth to well-developed young, known as leverets. These babies are born fully furred and with open eyes, ready to move soon after birth.
Distribution
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Indonesia
Mauritius
Nepal
Pakistan
Réunion
Seychelles
Sri LankaAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
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
