08 . SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS 



Lepus saxatilis. Bush Hare. Kol Haas. 



This animal is called the Rock Hare by Sclater, and 

 although it is found in stony kopjes in some localities 

 like its relative the Vlak Haas it is essentially a bush- 

 loving and bush-frequenting species. It is larger than 

 the Cape Hare and differs further from this species by the 

 fact that there is a rufous patch behind the neck on the 

 nape, by its relatively longer ears (length ;H inches) and 

 legs, and by a white spot on the forehead, which is, 

 however, not always present or conspicuous. Length of 

 head and body from 24 to 27 inches. Tail 4 inches. It 

 is found amongst the hills or bush from the Central Cape 

 Province northwards. It is quite common amongst the 

 eucalyptus plantations on the Rand, and I have found it 

 plentiful amongst the mimosa scrub in the valleys and at 

 the foot of the Free State hills, and in the Pretoria bush- 

 veld, where it is more common in the scattered thorn 

 bush with fair undergrowth than in the more heavily 

 timbered tracts. It is a good runner and makes excellent 

 eating. It resembles the Vlak Haas in the fact that the 

 number of young at a birth appears to be two. Like the 

 preceding species it makes a lair in a tuft of grass or in 

 a small thick bush, where it lies very close until disturbed. 

 I have seen a pointer " stand " on a Kol Haas in its 

 " form " for fully five minutes, when the hare had to be 

 kicked out of its hiding place, from almost under the dog's 

 nose. 



A new form with smaller ears was described by Thomas 

 and Schwann under the name of zuluensis. 



