Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis

The Indian Hare, also known as the Black-naped Hare, is a medium-sized mammal belonging to the Leporidae family. It is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of Bangladesh and Pakistan. It inhabits a variety of environments, such as grasslands, agricultural fields, scrub forests, and semi-arid regions.

This hare is easily recognized by its long ears, strong hind legs, and soft brownish-gray fur, which provides excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. A distinctive feature is the black patch on the back of its neck, giving it the name "black-naped hare." The Indian Hare is primarily crepuscular, being most active during dawn and dusk, though it may also forage at night. It is herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, roots, bark, and cultivated crops, which occasionally brings it into conflict with farmers.

IUCN Status: Least Concern

IWLPA: Schedule II

CITES: Not Defined