East African springhare East African springhare The East African springhare ("Pedetes surdaster"), is not closely related to the hare, but is a member of the Pedetidae, a rodent family. "Pedetes surdaster" was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African springhare "(P. capensis)" based on genetic, morphological, and ethological differences. "P. capensis" from South Africa has fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than does "P. surdaster" which has (2n = 40) and some other genetic variations. The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005. This species is found in central and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. A
East African springhare in an extensive system of burrows. It lives in semiarid grassland habitats. The diet is the green parts of plants, roots and other vegetable matter, and occasionally insects. East African springhare The East African springhare ("Pedetes surdaster"), is not closely related to the hare, but is a member of the Pedetidae, a rodent family. "Pedetes surdaster" was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African springhare "(P. capensis)" based on genetic, morphological, and ethological differences. "P. capensis" from South Africa has fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than does "P. surdaster" which has (2n =