Korean hare
The Korean hare ( Lepus coreanus ) is a mammal in the genus of the Real hares among lagomorphs. Its distribution is limited to the Korean peninsula and the adjacent Chinese province of Jilin.
Features
The Korean rabbit is a medium sized rabbit dwelling with a body length of 42.5 to 49 inches and a weight of about 1700 grams. The tail length is 6 to 7.5 centimeters, the length of the ears 7.3 to 7.9 centimeters and the Hinterfußlänge 10.8 to 12.2 inches. It is slightly larger than the related Chinese hare ( Lepus sinensis) and the coat is full of recognizable than this kind, the body coloration is stained in various yellows and browns from light brown to reddish brown with black interference, the underside is lighter. Compared to the Chinese hare proportion of black is higher. The tail is white at the top and brown under hand.
Dissemination
The distribution area of the Korean hare limited to the Korean peninsula with the states of North Korea and South Korea as well as the extreme south of China's Jilin province, where from there only one copy was known scientifically. In addition, it is also found on the larger islands.
Within the distribution area he inhabited both the lowlands as well as mountainous tracts of land, which he preferred above all shrubby vegetated areas.
Way of life
About the lifestyle of the Korean hare There is very little information. Like all rabbits eats the kind mainly of grasses and herbs.
System
The Korean hare is assigned as the genuine type rabbits ( genus Lepus ). Here, the species status was partly repealed and the Korean hare was associated with both the Chinese hare ( L. sinensis) as well as the mountain hare (L. timidus ).
The relationship is accordingly not entirely clear, a closer relationship was proposed with both the Chinese hare ( L. sinensis) as well as with the Japanese hare ( L. brachycera ) and the Manchurian hare ( L. mandshuricus ). Molecular biological studies confirmed the species status against the Chinese and Manchurian hare.
Threats and conservation
The species is " not endangered " by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN ) due to the population size and the relatively large area of distribution as estimated ( Least concern ). A decline in inventories and a threat are not known.
It also occurs in agricultural and forestry area and can cause some damage by its feeding activity here, especially in plantations.