Jackrabbits are often a source of confusion, with many people wondering if these long-eared animals are a type of rabbit. While they share some similarities in appearance, their classification is distinct. Understanding these differences provides insight into their unique biology and behaviors.
The Hare Identity
Jackrabbits are not true rabbits; they are hares. Both hares and rabbits belong to the family Leporidae within the order Lagomorpha, but they are classified into different genera. True rabbits generally fall under genera like Oryctolagus (European rabbit) or Sylvilagus (cottontail rabbits), while all jackrabbits are part of the genus Lepus, which encompasses hares. The common name “jackrabbit” originated from “jackass rabbit,” referring to their notably long ears, which resemble those of a donkey.
Key Distinctions from True Rabbits
Hares and true rabbits differ biologically and behaviorally from birth. Hares, including jackrabbits, are born precocial; their young (leverets) are born fully furred, with open eyes, and capable of movement within hours. In contrast, baby rabbits (kittens or bunnies) are altricial, born blind, hairless, and helpless, needing parental care in a protected nest.
Nesting habits also differ. Hares do not dig burrows like rabbits. Instead, they make shallow depressions called “forms,” often in dense vegetation for concealment. Rabbits construct complex underground tunnels (warrens) for shelter and protection.
Hares are generally larger than rabbits, with longer ears and powerful hind legs for speed. While rabbit fur typically maintains a consistent color year-round, many hare species, particularly those in colder climates, undergo seasonal color changes, turning white in winter for camouflage. Behaviorally, hares tend to be more solitary, relying on their speed to evade predators, whereas rabbits are often more social and retreat into their burrows when threatened.
Jackrabbit Features and Adaptations
Jackrabbits have adaptations suited to arid and semi-arid regions. Their remarkable speed is a primary defense mechanism, with some species capable of reaching up to 40 miles per hour in short bursts, often employing a zigzag running pattern to confuse predators. This agility is supported by their long, powerful hind legs, allowing leaps of over ten feet.
Their large ears (up to 8 inches long) function as radiators for thermoregulation, beyond hearing. In hot climates, an extensive network of blood vessels in their ears expands, increasing blood flow to the surface to dissipate excess body heat. Conversely, in cold conditions, blood flow to the ears can be reduced to conserve warmth. Jackrabbits are herbivores, consuming a diet primarily of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and even cacti, obtaining much of their water from the vegetation they eat. They are often most active during dusk and night, foraging under the cover of darkness.