Springhare

Afrikaans name: Springhaas

Springhares are nocturnal creatures

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

Pedetes capensis

Interesting facts about Springhares

The Springhare resembles the kangaroo but it is not related to that species. It is able to spring distances of 2 metres or more on its back legs.

It weighs around 3 kg's and grows to a body length of around 40 cm. Its tail adds another 40 cm or so.

Springhares are not often seen as they are nocturnal creatures. During the day they stay in their tunnels which they dig. They feed on seeds and other plant material. They use their front paws for digging.

They are normally reddish in colour but may also be grey. The tip of the tail is black.

Females give birth to one baby and this may happen at any time during the year.

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References and further reading

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 104

Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 94

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Year Published: 2004 - Page: 172

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 298

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Year Published: 2001 - Page: 94

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 145

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 334

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 60

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillier - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 165

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Year Published: 1980 - Page: 158

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 17

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southern Africa - 2nd edi - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 419

Sasol First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Year Published: 2003 - Page: 17

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 36

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Year Published: 1996 - Page: 42

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 321

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 200

List of South African Mammals