08 SOUTH AFRICAN MAMMALS 



Lepus saxatilis. BusJi Hare. Kol Haas. 



This animal is called the Eock 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 5^ 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 thora 

 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 zxduensis. 



