Lepus – Hares & jackrabbits

Contrary to common perception, lagomorphs are not rodents; they are a distinct order that includes rabbits, hares, and pikas. This genus is remarkable for its widespread distribution, with species found across most of North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, adapting to a wide range of environments from arid deserts to frozen tundras.

Hares and jackrabbits are known for their remarkable reproductive strategies, a trait shared with other lagomorphs. Many species within this genus are capable of producing multiple large litters each year, a biological feature that allows them to maintain stable population sizes even in the face of predation and environmental challenges. However, it’s interesting to note that not all species follow this pattern; some breed only once per year, demonstrating the ecological and biological diversity within the genus.

As nocturnal herbivores, hares and jackrabbits feed primarily during the night on a variety of vegetation, including grasses and shrubs. This diet is meticulously chosen to meet their nutritional needs while minimizing the risk of predation. Their feeding behavior and dietary preferences play a crucial role in the ecosystems they inhabit, contributing to the control of vegetation growth and the cycling of nutrients.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Lepus biology is coprophagy, the consumption of their own fecal material. This behavior might seem unusual at first glance, but it serves a critical purpose by effectively doubling the amount of time food spends in the digestive tract. By consuming their soft, nutrient-rich feces, hares and jackrabbits are able to extract additional nutrients from their food, an adaptation that is especially important given the sometimes nutrient-poor nature of their diets.