Mammal

Cape Hare Sightings

Lepus capensis

Least ConcernPrey speciesFound in 4 parks

Want to know where and when to find Cape Hare? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.

Where to see Cape Hare in South Africa

Easiest first. Pick a park for when and where to look there.

About the Cape Hare

The Cape hare is a medium-sized hare of southern Africa, commonly found in grassland, savanna, agricultural areas and semi-arid habitats. It has long ears, powerful hind legs and a grey-brown coat that provides effective camouflage against dry vegetation. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds mainly on grasses, herbs and other vegetation. Cape hares are generally solitary and rely on their speed, agility and ability to make sudden changes of direction to escape predators.

How to identify the Cape Hare

Medium-sized hare with long ears, powerful hind legs and a compact body. Coat is generally sandy-brown to grey-brown above with a paler underside, and the ears often have dark tips.

Did you know?

Cape Hares are primarily nocturnal and can make powerful, rapid leaps when escaping predators, using their long hind legs to cross open ground quickly.

Also known as: Kaapse Haas, Hare

Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Cape Hare, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.