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Animals

Hares: Why the hare is more than just an Easter ambassador

Hares are among the most fascinating animals in our landscape. With their long ears, powerful hind legs and supple movements, they look like the acrobats of the animal world. But what actually makes a hare? How do they differ from rabbits and why are they so important for our ecosystem? Immerse yourself in the world of hares with me - and discover amazing facts that will make your next walk in the woods appear in a whole new light.
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A representation of Hares: Why the hare is more than just an Easter ambassador

What is a hare? An introduction to the hare family

The hare (scientific name: Lepus) belongs to the hare family(Lagomorpha). This order includes a total of two families: the hares (Leporidae) and the whistling hares (Ochotonidae). Hares are known for their ability to run fast, their exceptionally keen senses and their adaptability to different habitats.

There are around 30 hare species worldwide, including theEuropean hare(Lepus europaeus), the mountain hare(Lepus timidus) and the Arctic hare(Lepus arcticus). The European hare is native to Germany, while the Arctic hare is found in the Alps.

Hares vs. rabbits: What's the difference?

Hares and rabbits are often confused with each other, but there are clear differences between the two animals:

Lifestyle

  • Hares live above ground in shallow hollows, known as burrows. They rely on their speed to escape predators.
  • Rabbits dig burrows and live in underground burrows known as rabbit burrows. They protect themselves by living in groups.

Physique

  • Hares are larger, have longer legs and ears with black tips.
  • Rabbits are more compactly built and have shorter ears.

Reproduction

  • The young of the hare, the so-called young hares, are born completely hairy and with open eyes. They are able to move independently after a few hours.
  • Rabbit young, on the other hand, are born naked and blind and are dependent on their mother's care.

The anatomy of a survivalist

The anatomy of the hare is perfectly adapted to life in the open countryside:

  • Long hind legs: hares can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. Their leaping ability helps them to cover large distances quickly - a decisive advantage when fleeing from predators.
  • Ears: With ears up to 15 cm long, hares have excellent hearing. They can perceive sounds from a great distance and move their ears independently of each other to localize the exact source of a sound.
  • Eyes: Rabbit eyes are positioned on the side of the head, which gives them an almost 360-degree all-round view. This means they hardly miss any movement in their surroundings.

Habitat and behavior

Hares prefer open landscapes such as meadows, fields and light forests. The brown hare in particular is a master of camouflage and can remain almost invisible in its habitat.

  • Daily routine: Hares are crepuscular and nocturnal. During the day they rest in their burrows, small hollows in the ground that offer them protection.
  • Diet: As pure herbivores, hares prefer herbs, grasses, buds and bark. In winter they also feed on field crops and hay.
  • Social behavior: Unlike rabbits, hares are solitary animals. They only meet for mating and otherwise avoid contact with other hares.

Reproduction: The astonishing fertility of hares

Hares have an exceptionally high reproductive success rate - a survival strategy to secure their population despite many predators.

  • Ramming season: The mating season of hares, also known as "ramming season", begins in spring. Males often engage in wild chases and "boxing matches" to impress the female.
  • Litter size: A female can give birth to up to 15 young per year, spread over several litters.
  • Superfetation: A fascinating biological trick is the female rabbit's ability to superfetate - she can be fertilized again during an existing pregnancy.

Hares in culture and mythology

Rabbits play a special role in many cultures. They symbolize fertility, speed and intelligence.

  • Easter bunny: The bunny is one of the best-known symbols of Easter. The custom probably goes back to pagan spring rituals in which rabbits were seen as symbols of fertility.
  • Myths: In Chinese mythology, a hare lives on the moon and accompanies the moon goddess Chang'e.

Endangerment and protection

Despite their adaptability, hares are endangered in many regions. In Germany, the brown hare is on the early warning list of the Red List of endangered species.

Threats

  • Habitat loss: Intensive agriculture and monocultures deprive hares of their habitat.
  • Pesticides: The use of pesticides reduces the food supply and endangers the health of hares.
  • Hunting: Although hunting is regulated in Germany, it poses an additional threat.

Conservation measures

  • Promotion of flower strips and hedges in agriculture.
  • Restrict the use of pesticides.
  • Protection through closed seasons under hunting law.

Surprising facts about hares

  1. Hares can be so quiet that they are often only discovered when they suddenly sprint off.
  2. Brown hares mark their territory by releasing scents from special glands on their hind feet.
  3. The snow hare and Arctic hare change their fur depending on the season: in winter they wear a white coat that camouflages them perfectly in the snowy landscape.

An animal full of secrets

Hares are far more than just fluffy inhabitants of the meadows. They are masters of adaptation, important parts of our ecosystem and fascinating creatures that deserve respect and protection. Their behavior and anatomy are designed to survive in a hostile environment - and yet they are endangered by human activity.

What do you think about hares? Have you ever encountered a hare in the wild? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments!

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