Hainan hare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hainan hare |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Lagomorpha |
| Family: | Leporidae |
| Genus: | Lepus |
| Species: |
L. hainanus
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| Binomial name | |
| Lepus hainanus Swinhoe, 1870
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| Hainan Island. Hainan hare presently occurs only in the central west coastal zone. | |
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The Hainan hare (Lepus hainanus) is a type of hare that lives only on Hainan Island, China. This special animal was first officially described by a scientist named Robert Swinhoe in 1870.
Contents
About the Hainan Hare
What Does a Hainan Hare Look Like?
The Hainan hare is a small animal. Its body is usually less than 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) long. It weighs only about 1.5 kilograms (around 3.3 pounds). It has a small, round head. Its ears are quite long, even longer than its back feet!
The hare's tail is black on top and white underneath. Its fur is more colorful than many other hares. Its back is a mix of brownish-black and white. Its belly is white. The fur on its sides is a blend of brownish-yellow and brownish-white. Its legs are dark brown.
Hainan Hare Behavior and Habits
The Hainan hare is a shy animal that prefers to be alone. It is most active at night or during dusk (when the sun is setting). Unlike some other animals, it does not live in burrows or underground tunnels. Instead, it hides among bushes to stay safe. These hares like to live in flat, cool areas that have many bushes.
Where Hainan Hares Live
Hainan Hare Habitat and Location
You can find the Hainan hare in the dry grasslands of western Hainan Island. They do not live in mountains or on farms. They prefer open areas with lots of plants for cover.
Challenges for Hainan Hares
Threats to Hainan Hare Survival
In the past, many Hainan hares were hunted for their skin. This hunting still happens to some extent today. Another big problem for these hares is loss of habitat. This means the places where they live are disappearing. Many animals and their homes on Hainan Island face similar dangers. For example, the Hainan black crested gibbon, one of the rarest primates in the world, also faces these threats.
Protecting the Hainan Hare
Conservation Efforts for Hainan Hares
Even though the Hainan hare is considered an endangered animal, there isn't enough control over hunting or the destruction of its habitat. Scientists also don't know much about how many hares are left in specific areas. More research and protection are needed to help these unique animals survive.
See also
 | DeHart Hubbard |
 | Wilma Rudolph |
 | Jesse Owens |
 | Jackie Joyner-Kersee |
 | Major Taylor |
