East African springhare
| East African springhare | |
|---|---|
_(8290878677).jpg)
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| In Mbwea Safari Camp, Nakuru, Kenya | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Pedetidae |
| Genus: | Pedetes |
| Species: | P. surdaster
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| Binomial name | |
| Pedetes surdaster (Thomas, 1902)
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| File:Pedetes surdaster distribution (colored).png | |
| Synonyms | |
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The East African springhare (Pedetes surdaster) is an African mammal found in Kenya and Tanzania that is closely related to the South African springhare. It is a member of the Pedetidae, a rodent family, and resembles a small kangaroo.
Taxonomy
[edit | edit source]Pedetes surdaster was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African springhare (P. capensis) based on genetic, morphological, and ethological differences.[3] P. capensis from South Africa has fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than does P. surdaster which has (2n = 40) and some other genetic variations.[4] The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005.[1]
Unlike South African springhare (Pedetes capensis), the second and third cervical vertebrae are fused in this species.
Distribution
[edit | edit source]This species is found in central and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. A single specimen has been recorded in Uganda near the Kenya border, at Mount Moroto. It is found from sea level up to an altitude over 2,000 m.[1]
Description
[edit | edit source]
The East African springhare resembles a small kangaroo (a marsupial in the family Macropodidae of Oceania), and is about the size of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It is mid-brown, has large erect ears, very short forelegs, and long powerful hind legs.[5] It moves in bounds of up to 12 feet and has a long tail fringed with black hairs which provides balance.[6]
Ecology
[edit | edit source]The East African springhare is nocturnal and spends the day in an extensive system of burrows. It lives in semiarid grassland habitats.[1] The diet is the green parts of plants, roots and other vegetable matter, and occasionally insects.[5]
References
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