Sri Lanka Black-Naped Hare (Lepus Nigricollis Singhala)

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Sinhalese: Hawa

Tamil: Mussal

Description: This is the only specie of this family found in Sri Lanka, there are no rabbits. The main characteristic of this hare is the black patch on the back of its neck. The length of the head and body is 45 to 50 cm. and the females tend to be larger than the males.

Distribution: Found throughout the island in scrub and the surrounding grasslands.

Habits: The hare is mainly, nocturnal, spending the day lying up in its “form” in some secluded place. In reserves where it is unmolested by man it is often seen during the day. They are solitary animals, only seen in a small group if the feeding is particularly good, and this consists of grasses and leaves. The senses of sight, hearing and smell are excellent, and when confronted by an enemy, they usually rely on their speed to make good their escape.

Breeding: The gestation period is about one month and usually two young are born, sometimes only one. The young are born fully furred and with eyes open. In a ”form” that the mother has scraped out in a clump of grass or under a bush. Here the young remain, with the mother returning frequently from her feeding to suckle them.

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