Assam rabbit, Bristly rabbit
The hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus ), also called Assam rabbit and bristly rabbit, is a leporid native to South Asia, whose historic range extended along the southern foothills of the Himalayas. Today, its habitat is highly fragmented with an area of occupancy estimated at less than 500 km2 (190 sq mi) extending over an area of 5,000 to 20,000 km2 (1,900 to 7,700 sq mi). Populations experienced a continuing decline in suitable habitat due to increasing agriculture, flood control, and human development. It is therefore listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 1986. It is the only species in the genus Caprolagus.
The Hispid hare is an endangered animal that is found only in South Asia. It is also sometimes called Bristly rabbit due to its harsh and bristly coat. Its ears are very short and do not project beyond the fur. The coat is dark brown on the back due to a mixture of black and brown hairs; brown on the chest and whitish on the abdomen. The tail is brown in color and is about 30 mm (1.2 in) long.
Hispid hares are found sporadically in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and possibly Bhutan. They inhabit tall grasslands and during the dry season, when these areas are susceptible to burning, they take refuge in marshy areas or grasses adjacent to river banks.
Hispid hares are generally solitary and most active at dawn and dusk. They are described to be slow-moving and do not construct burrows. They typically hide within tall grasses or take shelter in burrows of other animals.
Hispid hares are herbivores feeding mainly on roots of grasses, shoots, bark, and occasionally crops.
The limited information available on the reproduction of this species indicates that the average litter size is small.
The main threat to the Hispid hare is the continuous decline of its natural habitat due to increasing agriculture, flood control, and human development. This species also suffers from hunting for food and predation by dogs.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Hispid hare total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.