Springhare

Afrikaans name: Springhaas

Springhares are nocturnal creatures

Photo © EcoView - Fotolia.com

Pedetes capensis

Interesting facts about Springhares

The Springhare resembles the kangaroo but it is not related to that species. It is able to spring distances of 2 metres or more on its back legs.

It weighs around 3 kg's and grows to a body length of around 40 cm. Its tail adds another 40 cm or so.

Springhares are not often seen as they are nocturnal creatures. During the day they stay in their tunnels which they dig. They feed on seeds and other plant material. They use their front paws for digging.

They are normally reddish in colour but may also be grey. The tip of the tail is black.

Females give birth to one baby and this may happen at any time during the year.

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 200

Wild Ways - 2nd Edition - Author: Peter Apps - Published: 2000 - Page: 53

The Smaller Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. De V. Pienaar et al - Published: 1980 - Page: 118

Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2000 - Page: 43

The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa - Author: P. Briggs - Published: 2020 - Page: 344

The Mammal Guide of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 2011 - Page: 190

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 78

South African Animals in the Wild - Author: Anthony Bannister - Published: 1985 - Page: 100

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 321

Signs of the Wild - 5th Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1996 - Page: 42

Signs of the Wild - 3rd Edition - Author: Clive Walker - Published: 1986 - Page: 36

Questions and Answers - Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 17

Mammals of the Kruger and other National Parks - Author: The National Parks Board - Published: 1980 - Page: 158

Mammals of Southern Africa - Author: Burger Cillie - Published: 1987 - Page: 165

Maberlys Mammals of Southern Africa - Revised edition - Author: Richard Goss - Published: 1986 - Page: 44

Land Mammals of Southern Africa - A field guide - Author: Reay HN Smithers - Published: 1986 - Page: 60

Kruger National Park Questions and Answers - Author: P.F. Fourie - Published: 1987 - Page: 334

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 419

Guide to the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park - Author: Gus Mills and Clem Haagner - Published: 1996 - Page: 73

First Field Guide to Animal Tracks of Southern Africa - Author: Louis Liebenberg - Published: 2003 - Page: 17

Field Guide to the Mammals of the Kruger National Park - Author: U. de V. Pienaar et al. - Published: 1987 - Page: 145

Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2001 - Page: 94

Field Guide to the Larger Mammals of Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1997 - Page: 298

Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 172

African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 104

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa - 1st Edit - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1988 - Page: 94

A Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern and East African Wildlife - 3rd - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 2000 - Page: 100

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa including Madagascar - Author: Theodor Haltenorth and Helmut Diller - Published: 1980 - Page: 156

A Field Guide to the Eastern Cape Coast - Author: R. Lubke, F. Gess & M. Bruton - Published: 1988 - Page: 297

African Wildlife Foundation

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List of South African Mammals