hare

The European hare, a characteristic wild animal of open landscapes, plays an important role in the ecosystem as a prey for predators and as a landscape manager. This fact sheet provides a detailed overview of the biology and ecology of the European hare and highlights the importance of protecting its habitats and sustainable management.

hare Products

Profile: hare

  • Scientific classification

    • Class: Mammalia (mammals)
    • Order: Lagomorpha (lagomorphs)
    • Family: Leporidae (hares)
    • Genus: Lepus
    • Species: L. europaeus (European hare)

  • Physical characteristics

    • Size: Body length of 50-70 cm
    • Weight: 2.5-6 kg
    • Special features: Slender build, long ears, strong hind legs for quick movement, brown fur with a white belly.

  • Habitat and distribution

    • Common regions: Europe, parts of Asia, North Africa
    • Habitat: Open landscapes such as fields, meadows, heaths and light forests; prefers areas with sufficient cover and food supply.

  • Nutrition

    • Diet: Herbivore
    • Typical food: grasses, herbs, young shoots, agricultural crops such as cereals, corn and rapeseed.

  • Reproduction and lifestyle

    • Mating season: spring and summer
    • Gestation period: Approx. 42 days
    • Litter size: 2-5 young per litter
    • Brood care: Females raise the young alone
    • Social structure: Mostly solitary, outside of the mating season.

  • Lifespan and protection status

    • Life expectancy: Up to 5 years in the wild
    • Endangered status: Not threatened, but habitat loss, intensive agriculture and hunting may affect local populations.
    • Conservation measures: preservation and protection of habitats, extensive agriculture, reduction of hunting and road deaths.
1 6