Arctic hare

Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus), also known as the Polar Rabbit, is a species of hare which is highly adapted to living in the Arctic tundra, and other icy biomes. The Arctic Hare survives with shortened ears and limbs, a small nose, fat that makes up close to 20% of its body, and a very thick coat of fur. It usually digs holes in the ground or under snow to keep warm and sleep.

Description

The Arctic Hare is one of the largest living lagomorphs. On average, this species measures from 43 to 70 cm (17 to 28 in) long, not counting a tail length of 4.5–10 cm (1.8–3.9 in). The body mass of an adult hare varies between 2.5–5.5 kg (5.5–12.1 lb), though large individuals can weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb).

Habitat and Distribution

The Arctic Hare is distributed over the northernmost regions of Greenland, the Canadian Arctic Islands and Northern Canada, including Ellesmere Island, and further south in Labrador and Newfoundland.

Behavior and Diet

The Arctic Hare feeds primarily on woody plants, and will also eat mosses, lichens, buds, berries, leaves, and roots. It is a solitary animal in the summer, and in the winter, it often forms groups of up to several dozen individuals.

Reproduction

The breeding season for Arctic Hares is typically in April and May, with females giving birth to up to eight leverets after a gestation period of around 50 days.

Predators and Threats

The main predators of the Arctic Hare are the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) and the Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis). Humans also pose a threat through hunting and habitat disturbance.

Conservation Status

The Arctic Hare is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and presumed large populations.

See Also

• Hare
• Arctic Fox
• Canada Lynx
• IUCN Red List