INDIAN HARE

 INDIAN HARE

Local name      : Sasalu, Khargosh, Sasa, Jungli Sasalu

Physical measurements & life cycle 

Length      : 40-50 cm 

Weight      : 2.5-3.0 kg 

Gestation   : 2 months .

Litter size   : 1-2 

Breeding      : October- February 

* Description 

This Hare has greyish brown colour. Two races.The race 'nigricollis' has dark brown or black patch on dark of each of its ears to the shoulder.Upper surface of its is blackish,whwreas lower parts are paler.The race 'ruficaudatus' lacks black patch.

* Food  

Herbivorous.Eats grass,flowers and fleshy roots, rhizomes ets.

* Distribution 

Entire Gujarat. Two races.

* Habitat 

Occurs in grasslands, forest areas, open country-side,wasteland etc.

* Behaviour 

This hare is crepuscular to nocturnal.However It can also be  seen by day.

Also, carpophagus.It takes refuge in bushes, grasses or abandoned holes/burrows.

* signs of presence 

Pallets appearing like "Ayurvedic" tablets.

Indian hare has many enemies including foxes,mongooses,wild cats, village dogs etc. Many individuals of this species live in the neighbourhood of villages and cultivation.During hot weather, if the grass becomes scanty, hares can be seen grazing roadside or in compounds.The species is less numerous in forests as compared to large tracts of bush and jungle alternating with cultivated plains.