NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



rock-strewn hills and slopes. When alarmed it 

 usually lies close behind or amongst the boulders, 

 and when discovered it darts off at an exceedingly 

 rapid rate, dodging in and out amongst the rocks, 

 and so actively that the sportsman must be rapid 

 and expert in the handling of his gun to be success- 

 ful in shooting it. The Red Hare deposits its 

 excrement in the same place for years, and heaps 

 2 and 3 feet in height may often be seen. 



This Hare does not form burrows. It conceals 

 itself in crevices amongst the rocks, in the dense 

 brushwood, and in the various cavities under 

 boulders and overhanging rocks. 



The Red Hare is a small rabbit-like species, with 

 comparatively short hind-legs. It is 14 inches 

 in length, not including the tail, which is bright 

 rufous above and below. The head and back are 

 speckled buff and black, as in the typical hares ; 

 a light rufous patch is present on the back of the 

 neck ; and the legs, feet and under parts are 

 rufous. 



There are at least three local races of this small 

 rabbit-like Hare. 



THE ROCK HARE OR RHEBOK-HAAS 



(Pronolagus ruddi) 



THE Rock Hare inhabits the tops of the mountain 

 ranges and plateaus throughout South Africa. It 



200 



