What kind of animal is the spring hare? An updated explanation of its characteristics, ecology, and habitat.

What kind of animal is a spring hare? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Spring hare is a rodent found in southern Africa from Kenya to Angola. It is a very cute rabbit and can be seen quite widely in sub-Saharan Africa.

What is a Flying Rabbit? Basic Stats

Spring hares are rodents classified in the order Rodentia and family Leporidae. Their scientific name is Pedetes capensis, their English name is Spring hare, and their kanji is Jumping Rabbit. Their body length is 35-45cm, their tail length is 37-47cm, and their weight is 4kg. The list of information is as follows.

Japanese（和名）	トビウサギ
English（英名）	Spring hare
scientific name(学名)	Pedetes capensis
classification（分類）	Mammalia、 Rodentia、 Pedetidae、Pedetes 哺乳綱、齧歯目、トビウサギ科、トビウサギ属
IUCN Status(保全状況)	LEAST CONCERN
Length（体長）	35～45cm
Weight（体重）	4kg

What are the roots and origins of the jerboa?

Although the name “jerboa” (or tobiusagi in Japanese, literally “jumping rabbit”) includes the word “rabbit,” they are not actually related to rabbits; instead, they belong to the rodent family.

Origin: Small rodents that evolved in the desert

The ancestors of the jerboa are believed to have originated from early rodents that appeared approximately 50 to 40 million years ago (during the Eocene to Oligocene epochs).

Evolutionary lineage:

Primitive rodents
↓
Small species that moved into deserts and arid regions
↓
Jerboas (rodents with developed hind legs)
↓
Modern jerboas (Dipodidae)

Why did they evolve bodies suited for jumping?

The jerboa’s most distinctive features are:

Very long hind legs

Short forelegs

A long tail

Large ears

These traits are adaptations to life in the desert.

① Long hind legs

In sandy terrain, moving by jumping is more efficient than walking normally.

Advantages:

Less likely to sink into the sand

Capable of high-speed movement

Easier to escape from predators

Depending on the species,

they can travel several meters or more in a single jump.

② Long tail

The tail is not merely for show.

Functions:

Balancing during jumps

Making sharp turns

Controlling landing posture

It acts as a “rudder,” especially during high-speed movement.

③ Large ears

Thermoregulation is crucial in the desert.

The ears contain many blood vessels,

dissipating heat

picking up ambient sounds

and detecting predators early.

About classification

There are two subspecies of spring hare: the Eastern spring hare (Pedetes capensis) and the Eastern spring hare (Pedetes surdaster).

Pedetes capensis	It is found in a wide range of areas, including South Africa, Angola, Congo, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Pedetes surdaster	Distributed in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda

Habitat

Spring rabbits are widespread in sub-Saharan Africa.

1. Geographic Distribution (Where are they found?)

Jerking hares are widely distributed throughout the arid regions of Eurasia.

Main Distribution Areas

North Africa (Egypt, Libya, etc.)

Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, etc.)

Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia)

East Asia (Northern China)

They are not naturally found in Japan.

2. Habitat Characteristics (What kind of place is it?)
   Basic Environment

Desert

Semi-desert

Dry grassland (steppe)

Wasteland/gravely land

Environmental Conditions

Low rainfall

Large temperature difference between day and night

Sparse vegetation

They are well adapted to environments with little water.

3. Relationship with Ground/Soil

Ground characteristics are important when selecting a habitat for springhares.

Sandy to slightly hard soil

Burrow digging is essential

Avoid completely shifting sand (sand that moves too much)

4. Burrow (Roost)

Dig complex underground burrows

Depth: 50cm to over 1m

May have burrows for specific functions

Resting

Escape

Raising young

To protect themselves from predators and heat/cold conditions, their habitat consists of both aboveground and underground habitats.

5. Home Range and Population Density

Nocturnal

Home range per individual is relatively large

Rarely gather in high densities in the same place

What are the characteristics? What kind of creature is it?

As its name suggests, flying rabbits have the habit of jumping up. They have large hind legs, long hair on their tails, thick necks, and large round eyes. They are similar to kangaroos in that they hop on their hind legs. Flying rabbits are sometimes active during the day, but are nocturnal and often rest in holes they dig in the ground during the day. They can dig holes with the long claws on their front legs to protect themselves from predators. Flying rabbits have excellent senses of smell, hearing, and vision, and can detect the approach of predators in advance. Their backs are covered with reddish brown fur, and their bellies are covered with white fur.

1. Appearance (Very Unique)
   Body Shape

Body Length: 5-15cm (Depending on Species)

Tail: Longer than Body Length (For Balance)

Hin Legs: Abnormally Long (Specialized for Jumping)

Front Legs: Short, Only for Preying

When Standing, They Look Like Mini-Kangaroos.

Face

Round Face

Large Eyes (Nocturnal)

Large Ears (Heat Dissipation + Hearing)

2. Movement (Significant Characteristic)
   Jumping Movement

Basically Jumps on Two Legs

Can Jump 1-3m in a Single Jump

Good at Sudden Changes in Direction

To Escape Predators (Owls, Foxes) in the Desert

3. Personality/Temperament (What’s It Like?)

Very Timid

Sensitive to Sounds and Vibrations

Generally Solitary

Almost Non-Aggressive

Their Best Defense is “Quick Escape”

4. Life Rhythm

Completely nocturnal

Day: Rest in underground burrows

Night: Emerging above ground to feed and move

Due to the dangers of desert life during the day,
they are active only at night.

5. Diet (What do they eat?)

Seeds

Grass shoots

Insects (small amounts)

Water

Do not drink water directly

Obtain water from food

Recycle water using highly efficient kidneys

6. Intelligence/Senses

Hearing: Excellent hearing (can even detect the sound of wings)

Vision: Good at surviving in the dark

Memory: Accurately identifies the location of their burrows

What is their ecology?

Flying rabbits live by eating grass roots, bulbs, stems, seeds, etc. The gestation period is 80 days, and they can give birth to one baby at a time. They are said to live for about 10 years.

1. Daily Life Rhythm (Behavioral Ecology)
   Day

Rests in underground burrows

Protects from desert heat and predators

Temperature and humidity inside burrows are more stable than above ground

Night

Emerges after sunset

Feeding, migration, and breeding

Returns to burrows before dawn

Completely nocturnal. Almost never emerges above ground during the day.

2. Feeding Ecology (What and How They Eat)
   Diet

Seeds

Grass shoots and leaves

Small insects (supplementary)

Characteristics of Feeding

Deftly holds food with their front legs

Eats and moves quickly, without moving more than necessary

3. Relationship with Water (Critical to Desert Adaptation)

Does not drink water directly

Survives solely on the moisture in food

Highly efficient kidneys
→ Extremely concentrated urine
→ Minimizes water loss

This is one of the best water-saving abilities among desert mammals.

4. Locomotion and Home Range
   Locomotion

Bipedal hopping is the norm

1-3m per hop

Zigzag hopping to avoid predators

Home Range

Relatively large per individual

Does not stay in the same place for long periods of time

5. Burrow Habits (Survival Base)
   Burrow Structure

Depth: 50cm-1m or more

May have multiple entrances and exits

Used for Different Purposes:

Rest

Escape

Breeding and Rearing

Burrows are a “home + fortress.”

6. Sociality (Do they form groups?)

Generally solitary

Weak territorial awareness

Interactions increase only during breeding season

They do not form groups, but their habitats may overlap.

7. Breeding Biology

Breeding Frequency: Once to several times per year (depending on the environment)

Gestation Period: Approximately 25 to 40 days

Birthing occurs deep inside the burrow

Baby offspring are born immature and grow within the burrow.

Breeding success is higher in years with abundant rainfall and food.

Do they have any natural enemies?

The natural enemies of flying rabbits are servals, caracals, and jackals.

About Molting (Fur Shedding)

For jerboas (rodents adapted for jumping), molting—the shedding and replacement of fur—is a crucial adaptation for coping with the harsh temperature fluctuations of desert and arid environments. Unlike birds, which undergo “molting” (feather replacement), mammals undergo “fur shedding,” though the term “molting” is often used for both.

🟤 Basic Molting Cycle

Most jerboa species molt approximately twice a year.

🌱 Spring Molt (Winter Coat → Summer Coat)

Timing: Around March to May

They shed the thick fur that protected them against the winter cold and transition to a coat suited for the hot season.

Characteristics:

Reduction in undercoat

Shorter fur

Easier dissipation of body heat

Body may appear slimmer

In the desert, the temperature difference between day and night is significant; retaining a winter coat could lead to a dangerous rise in body temperature.

🍂 Autumn Molt (Summer Coat → Winter Coat)

Timing: Around September to November

They increase their fur volume in preparation for cold nights.

Characteristics:

Denser fur

Improved heat retention

Enhanced thermal insulation

Winter coats are vital because, while desert days are hot, temperatures plummet at night.

Functions of Jerboa Fur

① Body Temperature Regulation

Deserts present extreme environments:

Daytime:
☀️ Can exceed 40°C

Nighttime:
🌙 Can drop to near 0°C in some regions

Their fur serves dual purposes:

Blocking daytime heat

Preventing heat loss at night

② Protection from Sand

Jerboas live in sandy habitats.

Their fur serves to:

Keep out sand and dust

Protect the skin

Shield against UV rays

③ Desert Camouflage

Fur colors are typically:

Yellowish-brown

Light brown

Grayish-brown

These colors blend with the sand and rocks, offering advantages such as:

Making them harder for predators to spot

Making them less likely to alert potential prey

Vocalizations

Springhares (a type of jumping rodent) are not animals that vocalize loudly like coyotes or wolves. As small rodents inhabiting desert environments, they primarily communicate using very faint sounds and vibrations.

① High-pitched “pi” or “chi” sounds (short calls)

Purpose: Communication with others

Characteristics:

Faint, high-pitched sounds

Short and intermittent

Sometimes heard at night

Common situations:

Locating or acknowledging others

Alerting to danger

Signals between parent and offspring

Because of their small size, there is no need for the sound to carry over long distances; these calls are used for close-range communication.

② Creaking or teeth sounds (clicking)

Springhares may produce sounds other than standard vocalizations, such as:

Teeth grinding

Soft clicking sounds

Nasal sounds

Purpose:

Alertness/Warning

Excitement

Signaling others

③ Alarm signals

When sensing danger, they use:

Short vocalizations

Stamping

Ground vibrations

For springhares, the behavior of striking the ground with their hind legs (foot-drumming) is particularly important—often more so than vocal sounds.

Seasonal Activities

The activity patterns of jerboas (rodents adapted to arid environments) shift seasonally in response to the extreme temperature fluctuations of deserts and grasslands. Key aspects include avoiding temperature extremes, hibernation, reproduction, and foraging.

🌱 Spring (March–May): A Season of Resumed Activity and Breeding

Key Activities

Waking from hibernation

Breeding

Foraging begins

During winter, jerboas in colder regions remain relatively inactive within their burrows.

As spring arrives:

Time spent above ground increases

Range of movement expands

Interactions between males and females increase

Diet

With the proliferation of plant life in spring, they feed on:

New shoots

Grass roots

Seeds

Insects

☀️ Summer (June–August): Peak Nocturnal Activity

Key Activities

Nighttime foraging

Raising young

Sourcing water

Because surface temperatures in the desert become extremely high during the day, they become almost exclusively nocturnal.

Activity times:

After sunset

Late at night

Before dawn

Behavioral Characteristics

Emerging from burrows

Moving rapidly using long hind legs

Foraging for seeds and insects

Escaping danger by jumping

Special Summer Ability: Minimal water intake

Jerboas are highly adapted to desert life, utilizing:

Moisture from plants

Metabolic water produced within their bodies

This allows them to survive even in areas with scarce water sources.

🍂 Autumn (September–November): Preparing for Winter

Key Activities

Foraging

Building up energy reserves

Burrow maintenance

Autumn is a critical period for species that hibernate or enter a state of dormancy.

Behavior:

Searching for edible seeds

Preparing underground burrows

Storing fat

Diet

Seeds

Roots

Bulbs

Insects

Plant seeds, in particular, serve as a vital energy source for surviving the winter.

❄️ Winter (December–February): Dormancy/Hibernation Period

Key Activities

Life underground

Energy conservation

Pikas in cold regions significantly reduce their activity levels during winter.

Inside their burrows, they survive the winter by:

Lowering body temperature

Reducing heart rate

Minimizing food consumption

*Note: Some species undergo true hibernation, while others do not hibernate but instead remain inactive within their burrows.

About Locomotion Speed

The movement of the jerboa (a type of hopping rodent) is not the “walking” gait seen in typical mice or rats; instead, it relies primarily on hopping—using powerful hind legs to propel itself.

🚶 Normal Movement (Slow Gait)

Speed: Approximately 2–5 km/h

Used when exploring the area around the burrow or foraging for food.

Characteristics:

Forelegs serve a mostly auxiliary role

Small, short steps with hind legs

Moves while checking for scents

Moves slowly while remaining alert

However, jerboas spend little time walking normally on the ground; they generally move by hopping.

🦘 Hopping (Standard Movement)

Speed: Approximately 10–20 km/h

This is the jerboa’s most characteristic mode of movement.

Characteristics:

Pushes off the ground simultaneously with both hind legs

Uses the tail for balance

Does not sink easily into sandy terrain

Allows for long-distance travel with minimal energy expenditure

In desert environments, this hopping method is more efficient than walking.

⚡ Top Speed ​​When Fleeing

Approximately 30–40 km/h or faster

They accelerate rapidly when attacked by a predator.

Predators they flee from:

Foxes

Snakes

Birds of prey

Wild felines

Etc.

Using powerful jumps driven by their long hind legs, they perform:

Sudden acceleration

Sharp changes in direction

Continuous hopping

About Baby Spring Hare

This article focuses on baby spring hare (Jerboa), focusing on their appearance, behavior, and survival strategies from birth to development.

1. Characteristics at Birth

Birth Size: Approximately 2-6 pups (varies by species and environment)

Immediately after birth

Eyes are closed

Almost no body hair

Hin legs are still short

Completely helpless (immature)

They are so weak at first that it’s hard to imagine they could survive in the desert.

2. Location of Birth and Rearing

Birth in an underground breeding burrow

The burrow is deeper than others, providing protection from predators and heat.

The mother forages outside and periodically returns to nurse.

Baby never emerges above ground.

3. Developmental Steps

Around 1 week old

Exclusively breastfed

Depends on mother for body temperature regulation

Crys to call mother

2-3 weeks old

Fur begins to grow

Eyes open

Rapid growth of hind legs

Around 1 month old

Practices walking and jumping within the den

Begins nibbling on solid food (seeds, etc.)

5-7 weeks old

Ventures outside the den for short periods

Capable of short-distance jumps

Around 2 months old

Fully weaned

Spends with mother at night

Becoming independent

4. Behavioral Characteristics of Young Animals

Highly sensitive to sound and vibration

Sleep together in the back of the den

Jumping play using hind legs (practice)

Play = survival skill training.

5. Mother-infant relationship

Mother alone cares for young

Father not involved

Rapid distance increases after weaning

No long-term family relationships are formed.

6. Risks in Pups

Den collapse

Death of mother

Food shortages due to extreme dryness

Predators (especially snakes)

Pup mortality is relatively high.

Are spring hares an endangered species?

Spring hares are often considered pests that damage agricultural crops such as potatoes, corn, and wheat, and are therefore exterminated. In their habitat, they are sometimes eaten for meat. However, they are not an endangered species.

1. Springhare is Not Just One Species

“Springhare” is not a single animal, but a collective term for many species in the family Dipodidae.

Two-legged Springhare

Three-toed Springhare

Pygmy Springhare, etc.
→ Dozens of species exist.

As a result, endangered status is assessed on a species-by-species basis.

2. International Assessment (IUCN Red List)
   Many Springhare Species

LC (Least Concern)

Wide distribution and relatively stable populations

Because they are adapted to desert and semi-desert environments with little human impact.

Some Species Require Caution ⚠️

The following species are also classified as:

VU (Vulnerable)

EN (Endangered).

Main Reasons for the Increased Danger

Very Narrow Distribution

Limited to Certain Deserts and Regions

Habitat Destruction Due to Agricultural Land Development and Irrigation

Burrow Destruction Due to Livestock Grazing

3. Why Haven’t Many Species Remained Extinct?

Jerking rabbits are surprisingly resilient to environmental changes.

Body Types Specialized for Dry Lands

Physiological Functions that Do Not Require Water

Nocturnal and Underground Living

Relatively High Reproductive Capacity

→ The More Inhospitable Places They Are, the Easier They Are to Survive

This is why so many species have survived.

Can spring hares be kept as pets?

Spring hares are sometimes kept as pets, and it is possible to keep them as pets. You can keep them as long as you have the same equipment as a normal rabbit.

Selling price

The selling price seems to be around 200,000 to 400,000 yen. There is a fair amount of circulation.

Breeding environment

Because flying rabbits have a habit of jumping, their cages need to be quite large. It is difficult to raise them without a fairly large garden. It is a little difficult to keep them in an ordinary house.

Feeding

Flying rabbits are omnivorous, eating plant roots and stems, fruits, insects, arthropods, etc. They can also eat rice, potatoes, and corn.