Order - Lagomorphs / Family - Hares / Genus - Hares

History of study

The white hare (lat. Lepus timidus) is a mammal of the hare genus of the hare order. A common animal of the north of Eurasia.

Appearance

Large hare: body length of adult animals from 44 to 65 cm, occasionally reaching 74 cm; body weight 1.6-4.5 kg. Average sizes decrease from northwest to southeast. The largest hare live in the tundra of Western Siberia (up to 5.5 kg), the smallest in Yakutia and Far East(3 kg). The ears are long (7.5-10 cm), but noticeably shorter than those of the hare. The tail is usually all white; relatively short and rounded, 5-10.8 cm long. Paws relatively wide; the feet, including the balls of the fingers, are covered with a thick brush of hair. The load per 1 cm² of sole area of ​​the hare is only 8.5-12 g, which allows it to move easily even on loose snow. (For comparison, in a fox it is 40-43 g, in a wolf - 90-103 g, and in a hound dog - 90-110 g).

There is a pronounced seasonal dimorphism in coloration: in winter, the hare is pure white, with the exception of the black tips of the ears; summer fur color various parts range - from reddish-gray to slate-gray with brown striation. The head is usually colored somewhat darker than the back; the sides are lighter. The belly is white. Only in areas where there is no stable snow cover, hares do not turn white for the winter. Females of hare are on average larger than males, they do not differ in color. There are 48 chromosomes in the hare karyotype.

Spreading

The white hare lives in the tundra, forest and partly forest-steppe zone Northern Europe (Scandinavia, northern Poland, isolated populations in Ireland, Scotland, Wales), Russia, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Transbaikalia, the Far East, northwestern Mongolia, northeastern China, Japan (Hokkaido Island). Acclimatized in South America(Chile and Argentina). Inhabits some arctic islands (Novosibirsk, Vaigach, Kolguev). In the relatively recent past, it was distributed much further south; a relic site of the former range has been preserved in the Swiss Alps.

In Russia, it is distributed over most of the territory, in the north, up to and including the tundra zone. The southern border of the range runs along the southern outskirts of the forest zone. In fossil remains, it is known from the Upper Pleistocene deposits of the upper Don, from the region of the middle reaches of the Urals, western Transbaikalia (Mount Tologoy).

reproduction

The breeding season lasts 2-4 months. IN middle lane usually breeds twice during the summer, in the north - once. Pregnancy lasts 48-51 days, the young become adults only after wintering. The main rut in spring is accompanied by fights between males. Fighting males stand on their hind legs and "box" with their front legs. At this time, trampled patches come across on the edges and glades - hare dance floors (8). Hares lose their caution and catch the eye more often. By the way, in many European countries the expression "march hare" means the same as we have "march cat". Hares (1-6, rarely up to 12) are born sighted, with thick fur, and at first they sit motionless in the grass so as not to leave marks, and the mother comes to feed them 1-2 times a night. At the same time, she feeds not only her rabbits, but also strangers. In places where there are a lot of hares, all hares sometimes become, as it were, common. In late spring, little rabbits climb into dung heaps or rotten haystacks to protect themselves from the cold. But you should not take a hare found in the field home: the hare usually manages to grow it, but people are unlikely. After 8-10 days, the hares begin to eat grass, but they feed on milk for up to 20-30 days.

Lifestyle

Normally, white hare lead a solitary territorial way of life, occupying individual plots of 3-30 hectares. In most of the range it is a settled animal, and its movements are limited seasonal change fodder lands. Seasonal migrations to forests are characteristic in autumn and winter; in spring - to open places where the first grass appears. Precipitation can serve as the reasons for the movements - in rainy years, hares leave the lowlands and move to the hills. In the mountains they make seasonal vertical movements. In the north of the range, in summer, hares, fleeing midges, migrate to floodplains or other open areas; in winter they migrate to places with low snow cover. In Yakutia, in autumn, hares descend into the floodplains, and in spring they rise to the mountains, traveling up to 10 km per day. Mass migrations are typical only for the tundra, especially with a high number of hares. They are mainly caused by high snow cover, which does not allow eating undersized tundra vegetation. For example, in Taimyr, hares go south from September, gathering in flocks of 15-20, or even 70-80 individuals. The length of the migration route sometimes reaches hundreds of kilometers. Spring migrations are less noticeable than autumn migrations.

Predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal animal. Most active in the early morning and evening hours. Usually feeding (greasing) begins at sunset and ends at dawn, but in the summer there is not enough night time and hares feed in the morning. In summer, in the tundra, hares, escaping from midges, switch to day food. Daily fats are noted during the rut. Usually, a hare travels only 1-2 km per night, although in some areas daily migrations to feeding places reach tens of kilometers. In the thaw, snowfall and rainy weather the hare often does not come out to feed at all. On such days, the loss of energy is partially replenished by coprophagia (eating excrement).

The day the hare spends on the site, which most often suits, simply crushing the grass in secluded places. The choice of bedding depends on the season and weather conditions. So, in thaw or rainy weather, the hare often lies in open places in the grass, sometimes right in the plowed furrow. Sometimes, if the hare is not disturbed, the hare is used repeatedly, but more often the places of the hare are new every day. In winter, in severe frosts, the hare digs holes in the snow 0.5-1.5 m long, in which it can spend the whole day and leave only in case of danger. When digging a hole, the white hare compacts the snow, and does not throw it out. In the tundra, in winter, hares dig very deep burrows up to 8 m long, which they use as permanent shelters. Unlike forest counterparts, tundra whites do not leave their burrows in case of danger, but hide inside. In summer, they also sometimes use earthen burrows, occupying empty burrows of arctic foxes or marmots.

From the place of laying to the place of feeding, hares run along the same route, especially in winter. At the same time, they tread paths that are usually used by several animals. In winter, even a person without skis can walk along a well-trodden path. Going to the bed, the hare usually moves in long jumps and confuses the tracks, making the so-called. “doubles” (returns on your own trail) and “sweeps” (large jumps away from the trail). The hare has the best developed hearing; vision and smell are weak, and to motionless standing man, even in the open, the hare sometimes runs very close. His only means of protection from pursuers is the ability to run fast.

Nutrition

IN summer period The main food for the white hare is hundreds of species of various herbs, among which legumes predominate - clover, dandelion, mouse peas and others. But in winter, when it is practically impossible to get grass from under the deep snow, the basis of the diet is the bark and branches of any trees, even larch.

population

hare and man

In general, the white hare is a common species, easily adapting to the presence of a person.

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white hare - separate view kind of rabbit. The habitat of these animals is extensive. White hares live in the Asian part of Russia, in Scandinavia, Great Britain, Ireland and in the northern part of Eastern Europe.

Also, representatives of the species are found in the northern part of Mongolia and in Kazakhstan. In addition, the white hare comes across Japanese island Hokkaido and the northeastern regions of China. These animals feel equally comfortable both in mountainous areas and in the Arctic tundra. So a separate population chose the Alps as their home.

Appearance of a white

The white hare is a large representative of the species. Its body length varies from 45 to 65 centimeters. Weight ranges from 2 to 5.3 kilograms.

The length of the tail is 4-8 centimeters. The largest hare hares live in the Arctic tundra, while the smallest live in the Far East, China, Yakutia and Japan.

Males a little fewer females. The length of the ears is 7-10 centimeters. The paws are wide, they are covered with hair from below, thanks to which the animals easily move along the loose snow cover. This moment is very important during the flight from a predator.


The hare is a fairly large animal.

The color of the fur depends on the season. In winter, the skin is white, and only the tips of the ears are dark. Summer fur has various brown shades. The upper part of the body is much darker than the lower. The white hare is notable for its tail - it does not change color throughout the year and remains white. Only in hares living in Ireland, in summer, the upper part of the tail becomes dark gray. The coloration of males and females is the same.

Hare behavior and nutrition

These animals lead a solitary lifestyle. White hares are active at night, sometimes in the early morning or late evening. During the day they rest in the grass, crushing it. In the tundra they make oblong burrows in the snow, in case of danger they hide in them. During the construction of holes, it does not throw out snow, but tramples it. They go to feeding places only by a proven route, and return to the den, confusing their tracks, while the hares jump to the sides and turn back.


White hares are herbivorous animals.

If the food is bad, then the white hare makes seasonal migrations. Mostly northern representatives of the species migrate. These animals can move hundreds of kilometers. Hares migrate in groups of several individuals, having reached a more fertile area, again lead a solitary lifestyle.

The diet consists of plant foods, but it differs greatly depending on the habitat of the animals. In summer, hare hares feed on plants, berries and mushrooms, and in winter, bark and branches of shrubs are used. In addition, white hares eat hay and cones.

Reproduction and lifespan

White hares living in the northern regions and, especially, in the tundra, make only one brood per season. But the southern brothers have time to make 2-3 broods. The mating season in the north begins in May, while in other regions the first rut occurs in March, the second in June and the third in August. Males fight each other for females.

The gestation period is 45-55 days. The female does not make a den, but gives birth to rabbits right on the ground, choosing a small depression. There are 2-8 babies in the brood. The number of hares depends on the habitat - northern hares have more cubs than southern hares.


Belyaki are objects of human hunting.

The weight of newborns is 100-120 grams. Their bodies are covered with fur, their eyes are open. The mother feeds the offspring with milk for a month. Already on the 3rd week, the hares become independent. Puberty they come at 10 months. Life span in wild nature averages 5 years, and the maximum representatives of the species live up to 15 years. But such centenarians are found only in captivity. In the tundra and in the forest, an old individual cannot survive, since it is an easy prey for a predator.

Relationship with a person


People have always hunted white hares. These animals value both meat and fur. Animals cause damage to vegetable gardens and orchards. Sometimes the number of the species is significantly reduced as a result of various epidemics. And in fertile years, the population is growing rapidly. Such bursts occur, as a rule, 1 time in 9-12 years. Whites are not afraid of people, they can let them in for enough near distance. Often white hares settle next to human habitation.

A hare is an animal that belongs to the class Mammals, order Lagomorphs, family Hare, genus Hare ( Lepus). Contrary to popular belief, they do not belong to rodents and are far from being so harmless. In case of danger, they show aggressiveness and resist the attacker. Since ancient times, the hare has been a desirable trophy for hunters due to tasty meat and warm fur.

Hare - description, characteristics, appearance. What does a hare look like?

hare body slender, slightly compressed from the sides, its length in some species reaches 68-70 cm. The weight of a hare can exceed 7 kg. characteristic feature hare-shaped are wedge-shaped ears, reaching a length of 9 to 15 cm. Thanks to the ears, the hearing of the hare is much better developed than the sense of smell and vision. The hind limbs of these mammals have long feet and are more developed than the front ones. In the event of a threat, the speed of a hare can reach 80 km / h. And the ability to suddenly change the direction of running and jump sharply to the side allows these animals to get rid of the pursuit of enemies:, etc. Hares run well up the slopes, but you have to go down head over heels.

hare color depends on the season. In summer, the fur of the animal has a reddish-gray, brown or brown tint. Due to the dark color of the undercoat, the color is uneven with large and small "spots". The fur on the belly is white. Hares change color in winter, their fur brightens, but only the white hare becomes completely snow-white. The tips of the ears of all members of the genus remain black. all year round.

How long does a hare live?

The average life expectancy of males does not exceed 5 years, females - 9 years, however, there are recorded cases of a longer life span of a hare - about 12-14 years.

Types of hares, names and photos

The genus of hares is diverse and includes 10 subgenera, divided into several species. Below are several types of hares:

  • Hare– hare(Lepus timidus )

The most common representative of the hare genus, inhabiting almost the entire territory of Russia, in Northern Europe, Ireland, Mongolia, South America and in many other countries of the world. This species of hares is distinguished by characteristic seasonal dimorphism - in areas with stable snow cover, the color of the fur becomes purely White color except for the tips of the ears. In summer, the hare is gray.

  • hare(Lepus europaeus )

A large species of hares, some individuals of which grow up to 68 cm in length and weigh up to 7 kg. The fur of the hare is shiny, silky, with a characteristic waviness, different shades of brown, white rings around the eyes. The habitat of the hare covers the European forest-steppes, Turkey, Iran, the north of the African continent and Kazakhstan.

  • Antelope hare(Lepus alleni )

Representatives of the species are distinguished by very large and long ears, growing up to 20 cm. The auricles are designed in such a way that they allow the animal to regulate heat transfer when too high temperature habitat. The antelope hare lives in the state of Arizona in the USA and 4 Mexican states.

  • Chinese hare(Lepus sinensis )

The species is characterized by small body size (up to 45 cm) and weight up to 2 kg. The coloring of short, hard fur consists of many shades of brown, from chestnut to brick. A characteristic black triangular pattern stands out at the tips of the ears. This type hares are found in the hilly areas of China, Vietnam and Taiwan.

  • tolai hare(Lepus tolai )

Medium-sized individuals outwardly resemble a hare, but differ in longer ears and legs, as well as the absence of crimped fur. This hare is a typical representative of deserts and semi-deserts, lives in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia and in the Russian steppes - from Altai Territory to the south of the Astrakhan region.

  • yellow hare(Lepus flavigularis )

The only population of yellowish hares inhabits the meadows and coastal dunes of the Gulf of Mexico Tehuantepec, hence it has a second name - the Tehuantepec hare. Large individuals, up to 60 cm long and weighing 3.5-4 kg, are difficult to confuse with other types of hares due to two black stripes running from the ears to the back of the head and along the white sides.

  • broom hare(Lepus castroviejoi )

The habitat of this species of hares is limited to the scrub wastelands of the north-west of the Cantabrian mountains of Spain. In appearance and habits there is a resemblance to a hare-hare. Due to extermination, predation and violation of the natural ecosystem, the species is on the verge of extinction and is listed in the Red Book of Spain.

  • blacktail(California) hare (Lepus californicus )

The species is characterized by long ears, powerful hind limbs, a dark stripe running along the back, and a black tail. It is considered the most common species of hares in Mexico and the United States.

  • Manchurian hare(Lepus mandshuricus )

Small representatives of this species of hares grow up to 55 cm and weigh no more than 2.5 kg. The ears, tail and hind legs are short enough to give a clear resemblance to wild rabbit. The fur is hard and short, brown in color with black ripples. typical representative deciduous forests and shrub plains can be found in the Far East, in Primorye, as well as in Northeast China and Korea.

  • Curly hare (Tibetan curly hare)(Lepus ioostolus )

The species is distinguished by small size (40 - 58 cm) and a weight of just over 2 kg. characteristic feature considered yellowish wavy fur on the back. It lives in India, Nepal and China, including the mountain steppes of the Tibetan highlands, from where it got its second name - the Tibetan curly hare.


Morphological features of a hare - hare

Order lagomorphs - Lagomogrha

Hare family - Leporidae

Hare genus - Lepus

Hare - Lepus timidus

The white hare is distributed throughout the forests, tundra and even the forest-steppe of Eurasia. An isolated fragment of the range has been preserved in the Alps. In Belarus, the white hare is found throughout the territory, but its population density is much higher in the central and northern regions. This species is rare in Polissya. He mainly lives in spruce forests, which are few here.

The appearance of a white hare is well known to many. The body weight of adults is 2-5.5 kg. The color of their hairline is mainly gray-brown in summer, but the bottom is white, and in winter it is white, only the tips of the ears are black.

The limbs of the hare are well adapted to moving on loose snow. long paws and the ability to spread his fingers wide provide him with a large footprint. The hare's footprints are the same as those of the hare, but the paw prints are wider. Living in the forest, where the snow is looser and higher, the whites form and use trail systems to facilitate movement. The night tracks of white hare usually consist of a frequent alternation of walking and feeding tracks. Belyaks feed constantly near fallen aspens and haystacks, here the snow is always trampled and strewn with their excrement. In front of the place of daytime rest, the whites, like the hare, confuse their tracks. The hare lays down in places with dense vegetation.

White hare. Photo: John Fielding.

Habitats of white hare are various forests, but they prefer to populate forest areas on the outskirts of swamps, along streams, rivers and lakes. The hare avoids open spaces.

In spring and summer, hare are fed various types herbs. Deficiency in the diet minerals they replenish, gnawing pieces of the horns shed by elks, deer and roe deer, the bones of dead mammals. In the autumn, as the grass dries up, the whites switch to feeding on tree and shrub shoots. The same food is mainly used in winter. In winter, white hare often feed on bark, dry grass or hay from stacks.

The first white rut starts in February. In spring and summer, females give birth to 2-4 cubs two or three times. Rabbits can run immediately after birth. The hare in the first day is not far from the hare and, if enemies approach, takes them away from the brood. Rabbit milk is very nutritious, and rabbits grow quickly.

The hare has much more natural enemies than the hare. Belyakov is mined by various predatory mammals: often a fox and a lynx, sometimes a wolf, less often a pine marten. Large feathered predators prey on hare: golden eagle and eagle owl. However, the impact of predators on the abundance of hare can significantly affect only during periods of its depression, which is determined by other reasons. Often mass death belyakov occurs as a result of viral diseases and helminthic invasions.

The importance of the white hare in sport hunting on the territory of Belarus is somewhat less than that of the hare, since hunting for it by trailing is rarely successful, and the number of hunters who have hounds is gradually decreasing.

Behavior and lifestyle

Predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal animal. Most active in the early morning and evening hours. Usually feeding begins at sunset and ends at dawn.

The day the hare spends on the site, which most often suits, simply crushing the grass in secluded places. The choice of a place to lie down depends on the season and weather conditions. So, in thaw or rainy weather, the hare often lies in open places in the grass, sometimes right in the plowed furrow. In winter, in severe frosts, the hare digs holes in the snow 0.5-1.5 m long, in which it can spend the whole day and leave only in case of danger. When digging a hole, the white hare compacts the snow, and does not throw it out. In the tundra, in winter, hares dig very deep burrows up to 8 m long, which they use as permanent shelters.

From the place of laying to the place of feeding, hares run along the same route, especially in winter.

Going to the bed, the hare usually moves in long jumps and confuses the tracks. The hare has the best developed hearing; vision and sense of smell are weak. His only means of protection from pursuers is the ability to run fast.

Nutrition

Belyak is a herbivore with a clearly defined seasonality of nutrition. In spring and summer, it feeds on the green parts of plants; in different parts of the range, preferring clover, dandelion, mouse pea, yarrow, goldenrod, bedstraw, sedges, grasses. Willingly feeds on oats and clover in the fields. In the northwest of the range in large numbers eats shoots and fruits of blueberries. Occasionally eats horsetails and mushrooms

In autumn, as the grass dries up, hares begin to eat small twigs of shrubs. In winter, the white hare feeds on the shoots and bark of various trees and shrubs. Almost everywhere, its diet includes various willows and aspens. Birches and larches are an important source of food, especially in the northern and eastern regions. In the south, the white hare feeds on shoots of broad-leaved species - oak, maple, hazel.

In spring, hares accumulate on lawns with young grass in flocks of 10-30 heads and eat it greedily. At this time, they are sometimes so addicted to feeding that they lose their usual caution. Like all herbivorous animals, the hare is deficient in mineral salts. Therefore, he periodically eats the soil and swallows small pebbles. Willingly visits salt licks, gnaws the bones of fallen animals and horns shed by elks.

reproduction

The breeding season lasts 2-4 months. In the middle lane it usually breeds twice during the summer, in the north - once. Pregnancy lasts 48-51 days, the young become adults only after wintering. The main rut takes place in the spring and is accompanied by fights between males. They stand on their hind legs and “box” with their front legs. At this time, on the edges and glades, trampled patches come across - hare sites.

Hares (1-6, rarely up to 12) are born sighted, with thick fur, and at first they sit motionless in the grass so as not to leave marks, and the mother comes to feed them 1-2 times a night. At the same time, she feeds not only her rabbits, but also strangers. In places where there are many hares, all hares sometimes become common. In late spring, little rabbits climb into dung heaps or rotten haystacks to protect themselves from the cold. After 8-10 days, the hares begin to eat grass, but they feed on milk for up to 20-30 days.

Lifespan

IN natural conditions white hares live 8-9 years.

Habitat

Belyaks lead a solitary territorial way of life, occupying individual plots of 3-30 hectares. In most of its range, it is a sedentary animal, and its movements are limited by the seasonal change of foraging grounds. Seasonal migrations to forests are characteristic in autumn and winter; in spring - to open places where the first grass appears. Precipitation can serve as the reasons for the movements - in rainy years, hares leave the lowlands and move to the hills.