Fauna Details
Common Name | Hewitt's Red Rockhare |
Family | Leporidae |
Date Observed | 23-09-2022 |
Category | Mammals |
---|---|
Catalogue No. | Z5005RG |
Breeding/ Spawning Time | Summer |
When Observed | DAYTIME |
Locations Observed | |
Estuary | Few |
Koppie | |
Nature Reserve | Few |
Small Holding | |
Village | Few |
Greater Rooiels |
Pronolagus saundersiae
Information
Hewitt's Red Rockhare

Some of us have been lucky enough to see Pronolagus saundersiae (Hewitt’s Red
Rockhare) in Rooiels. It is dark grey, has a rustic-coloured tail and
big, beautiful ears.
P. saundersiae was formerly considered as a
subspecies of P. Rupestris (Smith’s Red Rockhares), but was elevated to full
species level about a decade ago.
P. saundersiae
is the only red rockhare that occurs in the Western Cape while P. rupestris
does not occur south of the Namaqualand area, although the colouring and build
might look similar.
Hewitt’s Red
Rockhare are essentially nocturnal and many neighbourhood-watch patrollers have
reported seeing one. One might also see one during the day when they come out
to bask in the sun. In Rooiels, usually single animals are encountered
and they do not seem to be frazzled by humans
They are
predominantly grazers, but they might also be found nibbling on your plants and
succulents.
ENEMIES
In Rooiels the
Red Rockhare is threatened by
leopard, caracal, eagles and
uncontrolled domestic animals.
Pic: Robert Miller