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( Springhare)
Pedetes caffer The Springhare (Pedetes capensis), or Springhaas, is not actually a hare, but a member of the order Rodentia; it is the only species in its family Pedetidae and in the genus Pedetes. Synonyms are P. caffer or P. cafer. The Springhare resembles a small kangaroo (though unrelated) with well-developed hind legs, which allows it to leap over 2 meters in a single bound. It is for this ability which it gets its name. This animal grows to be around 35–45 cm in length excluding its long tail, and weighs an average of 3 kg. The tail adds to another 36–47 cm in length. The colour of this mammal varies from a reddish-brown to a pale grey, with a black tip on the tail. The Springhare lives only in south-eastern Africa, feeding on plant matter and even occasionally insects. They have four toes on their hind feet with claws that look like small hoofs; these are wider than those found on the forefeet. They have a thick muscular neck supporting their short head. They also have large eyes, and their ears have a tragus that prevents sand from entering when they are digging. Springhares breed throughout the year. The females give birth to a single infant about three times a year. Unlike some other rodents, which have blind and hairless young, springhares are born furred, and are active within a very short time of birth. However, they are not weaned and do not leave the burrow until they are they are about half grown. This extended period of parental care helps to mitigate a birth-rate that is, among rodents, remarkably low[1].
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