The species was first reported by Robert Swinhoe in 1870, but until recently was considered a subspecies of Burmese hares.
There is little information on communication and perception of Hainan hares. The species has external physical features associated with sight, touch, taste, and hearing. Other hares, pikas, and rabbits use pheromones and scent marks for perception.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Due to expansion of land use for agriculture and harvesting, this hare has lost what is estimated to be upwards of 90% of its natural habitat, with less than 2 sq km left of optimal habitat. It is also under pressure from poaching for pelts and meat, and competition may exist with feral European hares, pikas, and rabbits. The Hainan hare is a China Key List - II protected species, but as of 1995 there were no laws regarding the conservation of this species. The species was Red Listed in 2008. The estimated population size is 250 to 500 individuals.
Hainan hares are of little significance economically.
Hainan hares have historically been, and to a lesser extent still are, hunted for meat and skin.
Positive Impacts: food ; body parts are source of valuable material
The role of Hainan hares in the ecosystem has not been described. In the past, it may have been a significant prey species, as is the case for most common hares and jackrabbits. However, this is unlikely the case today, as populations have declined.
The diet of Hainan hares has not been described. However, they are presumed to be herbivores, in keeping with other hares, pikas, and rabbits.
Primary Diet: herbivore (Folivore )
Hainan hares (Lepus hainanus) are found only on the western side of China's Hainan Dao island.
Biogeographic Regions: oriental (Native )
Other Geographic Terms: island endemic
The natural habitat of Hainan hares is the grasslands and shrub-forests of Hainan, China. Historically, the hares inhabited most lowland areas of the island. In 1995, due to the loss of natural habitat, Hainan hares were found only near the ranger stations of two deer ranches. A 1999 survey found that the species was also present in Tongtieling Forest Area.
Range elevation: 0 to 300 m.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; scrub forest
Other Habitat Features: agricultural
The life span of this species has not been reported, but its closest relative, Burmese hares, have an estimated lifespan of 6 years.
Dorsally, the hares have a a pale brown soft coat with tinges of black and chestnut. They have white circles around the eyes extending forward toward the muzzle and back toward the ear. On the ventral side, the coat is white. The feet are light brown with white markings and the tail is brownish-black on top with stripes oriented transversely, but pale to white on the bottom. Seasonal variation has been observed in the summer coat being less vibrant than the winter coat. This species of hare has short ears, which tend to be less than 95 mm in length. The skull is rounded with small auditory bullae, a broad, short rostrum, an upwardly directed suborbital process, and upper incisors forming a Y-shaped groove that is often filled with cementum.
Range mass: 1,250 to 1,750 g.
Average length: 35.6 cm.
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; bilateral symmetry
In their natural range these hares face little predation pressure, most likely due to low predator abundance in the region.
The mating system of Hainan hares has not been reported. However, like many other common hares and jackrabbits, they are believed polygynandrous.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Little is known about the reproductive behavior of Hainan hares. However, other common hares and jackrabbits that live near the equator breed throughout the year and have approximately 8 litters containing 1 to 2 young. Their closest relatives, Burmese hares, have a gestation period of 35 to 40 days.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; viviparous
Though the parental investment of Hainan hares has not been investigated, most hares, pikas, and rabbits have limited parental investment compared to other mammals. Mothers typically visit their young to allow them to nurse once a day. Weaning typically occurs at 1 or 2 months of age and sexual maturity shortly following at roughly 4 to 6 months of age. Males are not involved in caring for the young.
Parental Investment: precocial ; female parental care ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning); pre-hatching/birth (Provisioning: Female, Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Female)
The Hainan hare (Lepus hainanus) is a hare endemic to Hainan Island, China. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1870.
The Hainan hare is small; its body length is less than 40 centimetres (16 in) and weighs only 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lb). Its head is small and round. It has long ears that are longer than its hind feet. The upper part of the tail is black, while the under parts are white. It has a more colorful coat than most other hares: its back is brownish black and white, its belly is white, the fur on the flank is a mixture of brownish yellow and brownish white, and its limbs are dark brown.
The Hainan hare is a solitary animal and active at night or dusk. It does not live in burrows, but hides in bushes. It likes to live in flat, cool land with many bushes.
The Hainan hare is found in the dry grassland of western Hainan Island. It does not live in mountains or agricultural land.
In previous years, the Hainan hare was slaughtered for skin, and this continues to some degree. It is also threatened by loss of habitat. Most of the habitat and animals on Hainan are threatened by similar factors, like the Hainan black crested gibbon, one of the world's rarest primates.
There is no control for overhunting of this rabbit and habitat destruction, even though it is considered endangered. Little is known on specific populations.
The Hainan hare (Lepus hainanus) is a hare endemic to Hainan Island, China. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1870.