Korean Hare

About this species

Habitat

Vegetated plains, hills and mountains

Range

Korean Peninsula and adjoining northeastern China

The Korean hare is a true hare endemic to the Korean Peninsula and adjacent parts of northeastern China. It belongs to Lepus and is recognized as Lepus coreanus rather than a form of the Chinese hare; mitochondrial research helped support that separation. Like other hares it has long hind limbs and ears, but this account avoids transferring measurements or coat characters from related species where the opened Korean species source did not document them (Animal Diversity Web; Mammal Diversity Database).

Korean hares occupy a broad elevation range from plains to mountains and favour landscapes with plentiful vegetation. Research summarized by Animal Diversity Web found their abundance in Jirisan National Park increased with shrub cover, highlighting the importance of dense low vegetation for shelter and feeding opportunities. Their range covers the entire peninsula and extends into southern Jilin and northeastern China. Detailed Korean diet, breeding and activity figures remain omitted because the opened species accounts did not provide adequately sourced values (Animal Diversity Web).

Description: Wildlife of Korea guide, Wildlife of Everywhere (wildlifeofeverywhere.com)