The Arctic Hare is a mammal adapted to the severe conditions of the polar regions. Understanding its unique identity begins with its specific place in the biological world.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
The Arctic Hare’s scientific name is Lepus arcticus, a binomial nomenclature that precisely identifies the species. The first part, Lepus, is the genus name, which is Latin for hare, while arcticus refers to its high-latitude habitat. This system places the Arctic Hare within the Order Lagomorpha, a group including pikas, rabbits, and hares, and specifically into the Family Leporidae.
Hares are often confused with rabbits, but they belong to different genera and exhibit distinct reproductive strategies. Unlike rabbits, which are born blind and hairless (altricial), hares are born fully furred and open-eyed (precocial). Lepus arcticus is generally larger than most rabbits. It possesses specialized features, such as relatively shorter ears and limbs compared to southern hares, which helps minimize heat loss.
Specialized Survival in the Arctic
Survival in temperatures that plummet below freezing requires specialized biological features. The Arctic Hare possesses a dense winter coat that provides superior insulation against the cold. Its body is compact, presenting a low surface-area-to-volume ratio, which reduces the rate of heat dissipation.
Physiologically, the hare maintains a body temperature comparable to other lagomorphs, despite having a lower basal metabolic rate. This reduced metabolism is an energy-saving adaptation crucial for a species living where food is often scarce. A significant layer of fat, which can constitute nearly 20% of its body weight, provides an additional thermal buffer.
Behaviorally, Lepus arcticus digs shallow depressions or shelters into the snow to escape the wind and conserve body heat. The species also employs countershading camouflage. In the far north, the coat remains white year-round. Populations further south molt to a blue-gray or brownish color during the short summer to blend with the exposed tundra.
Range and Conservation Status
The range of Lepus arcticus is confined to the expansive tundra regions of Northern Canada and Greenland, including islands like Ellesmere Island and the territories of Newfoundland and Labrador. The species is currently classified as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Like many Arctic species, the primary long-term concern involves habitat changes resulting from shifts in climate.