East African springhare
The East African springhare is an African mammal found in Kenya and Tanzania that is closely related to the South African springhare. It is a member of the Pedetidae, a rodent family, and resembles a small kangaroo.
Taxonomy
Pedetes surdaster was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African springhare based on genetic, morphological, and ethological differences. P. capensis from South Africa has fewer chromosomes than does P. surdaster which has and some other genetic variations. The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005.
Unlike South African springhare, the second and third cervical vertebrae are fused in this species.
Distribution
This species is found in central and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. A single specimen has been recorded in Uganda near the Kenya border, at Mount Moroto. It is found from sea level up to an altitude over 2,000 m.
Description
The East African springhare resembles a small kangaroo, and is about the size of a rabbit. It is mid-brown, has large erect ears, very short forelegs, and long powerful hind legs. It moves in bounds of up to 12 feet and has a long tail fringed with black hairs which provides balance.
Ecology
The East African springhare is nocturnal and spends the day in an extensive system of burrows. It lives in semiarid grassland habitats. The diet is the green parts of plants, roots and other vegetable matter, and occasionally insects.