East African springhare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East African springhare |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| In Amboseli National Park, Kenya | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pedetes
|
| Species: |
surdaster
|
.png) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The East African springhare (Pedetes surdaster) is a unique African mammal. Even though its name includes "hare," it's actually a type of rodent, not a hare! It belongs to a special animal family called Pedetidae. These amazing creatures are known for their powerful jumps.
Contents
What is the East African Springhare?
The East African springhare is a fascinating animal found in parts of Africa. It looks a bit like a small kangaroo or a rabbit. But don't let its looks fool you! It's a rodent, just like mice, rats, and squirrels.
How is it Different from Other Springhares?
Scientists have studied the East African springhare very carefully. In 1997, researchers Matthee and Robinson found that it is a different species from the southern African springhare. They looked at its genes, how it looks (its body shape), and its behavior (how it acts).
One big difference is in their chromosomes. The southern African springhare has 38 chromosomes. But the East African springhare has 40 chromosomes. This small difference helps scientists tell them apart. Another unique feature is that two bones in its neck (the second and third cervical vertebrae) are joined together.
Where Do East African Springhares Live?
You can find the East African springhare in central and southern Kenya. They also live in most parts of Tanzania. One springhare was even seen in Uganda, close to the Kenya border. They can live in many places, from areas near the sea all the way up to mountains over 2,000 meters high.
What Does an East African Springhare Look Like?
Imagine a small kangaroo mixed with a rabbit – that's kind of what an East African springhare looks like! They are usually a mid-brown color. They have big ears that stand straight up. Their front legs are very short, but their back legs are long and super strong.
These powerful hind legs help them jump really far, sometimes up to 12 feet in a single bound! They also have a long tail with black hairs at the end. This tail helps them keep their balance when they jump. Like a squirrel, they can sit up on their back legs to look around.
How Do East African Springhares Live?
East African springhares are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. During the day, they like to sleep in their homes. These homes are large systems of tunnels and rooms that they dig underground.
They prefer to live in dry, grassy areas called semiarid grasslands. Their diet mainly consists of plants. They eat green leaves, roots, and other plant parts. Sometimes, they also munch on insects.
