Southern African Springhare
Pedetes capensis
Southern African Springhare is a nocturnal rodent digging burrows in African dry savannas and grasslands.
| Scientific name | Pedetes capensis |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kifaru mdogo |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Rodentia |
| Family | Pedetidae |
| Size | Male: 2.5-4.5 kg; Female: 2.5-4.0 kg |
How to identify
Hind limbs strong and long, adapted for jumping; tail long and bushy, similar to a rabbit; ears large and erect; fur soft, dorsal side gray-brown, ventral side lighter; eyes large, adapted for nocturnal activity
Habitat
Open woodland savanna, open grasslands and shrublands; prefers dry soils suitable for digging burrows
Diet
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on roots, seeds, grass leaves, and other plant material
When it is active
Nocturnal, active frequently at night, resting in burrows during the day
Where it lives
Mainly distributed in southern Africa including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe; also scattered in parts of Kenya; occasional records in the Maasai Mara region
How to spot it
Use red light flashlight at night to minimize disturbance; look for activity signs near burrows in open woodland savanna; feeding traces may be found near burrow entrances at dawn or dusk
Photography tips
Photograph at night using high sensitivity or infrared cameras; use fast shutter speed to capture jumping action; utilize natural light at burrow entrances for better photos
Threats
Habitat destruction and agricultural expansion; occasionally hunted for food; threats from road traffic
Similar species
African springhare (Pedetes surdaster) is slightly larger with different ear morphology; common springhare resembles a rabbit but has a longer, bushier tail
