East African Spring-hare
Pedetes surdaster
Silhouette: Margot Michaud · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderRodentia (Rodents)
- FamilyPedetidae (Springhares)
- GenusPedetes (Springhares)
- SpeciesPedetes surdaster (East African Spring-hare)
About the East African Spring-hare
The East African springhare (Pedetes surdaster) 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.
Pedetes surdaster was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African springhare (P. capensis) based on genetic, morphological, and ethological differences. P. capensis from South Africa has fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than does P. surdaster which has (2n = 40) and some other genetic variations. The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005.
Unlike P. capensis, the second and third cervical vertebrae are fused in this species. 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.
The East African springhare resembles a small kangaroo (a marsupial in the family Macropodidae of Oceania), and is about the size of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It is mid-brown, has large erect ears, very short... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of East African Spring-hare in Tarangire National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Tarangire National Park
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarangire National Park | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | |
| 2 | Lake Nakuru National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 3 | Nairobi National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 4 | Lake Manyara National Park | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | |
| 5 | Amboseli National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 6 | Masai Mara National Reserve | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 7 | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | 🇹🇿 Tanzania |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a East African Spring-hare in Tarangire National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a East African Spring-hare sighting in Tarangire National Park, based on 7 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see East African Spring-hare in Tarangire National Park?
June has the highest sighting rate for East African Spring-hare in Tarangire National Park in our monthly data.