HARES AND RABBITS 



469 



The South African hare (Z. capeiisis) and the closely alHed L. odiropiis 

 differ by their shorter hmbs, the absence of a rufous tinge on the back 

 of the neck, and the yellowish throat. When hunted, they carry their 

 ears erect. With the exception of the two under-mentioned species, 

 all the African hares belong to the typical group of the genus Lepus. 



Very distinct are the South African red-rumped hares (Z. crassi- 

 caudatus and L. rnddi), which are small rabbit-like species with the 

 rump and tail bright rufous, and the tail itself unusually thick. By 

 some writers these two species are classed in the same subgenus 

 {Oryctolagus) as the rabbit ; while by others they are referred to a 

 group apart, as Pi'onolagiis. 



None of the South African hares afford good sport, having but 

 little speed, and generally going to ground ; while some, at least, are 

 foul-feeders. 



The so-called jumping-harc {Pedetes caffer) has nothing whatever 

 to do with the true hares and rabbits, but represents a family by itself. 



Fig. 96. — A^Kmale West African Forest-Hog. 



