Poelagus

The Bunyoro Rabbit: A Unique African Leporid

The Bunyoro rabbit, scientifically known as Poelagus marjorita, is a distinctive species of mammal native to Central Africa and the sole member of the genus Poelagus. Often referred to as the Uganda grass hare, this medium-sized leporid is characterized by its greyish-brown fur, coarser coat, and notably shorter hind legs and ears compared to many other African species. Its nocturnal habits mean it emerges at night to feed, often in groups, after spending the day hidden alone in shallow depressions or rocky crevices.

Taxonomy and Discovery

First described by British mammalogist Jane St. Leger in 1929, the Bunyoro rabbit was initially misidentified but later recognized as a unique species, prompting the establishment of its own genus in 1932. The generic name Poelagus derives from Greek words for 'grass' and 'hare', reflecting its habitat and classification, while the specific epithet marjorita honors Marjorie Pitman, wife of the game warden who collected the type specimen. While two subspecies were once proposed, they are no longer recognized.

Distribution and Habitat

Once thought to have a wide distribution, current understanding places the Bunyoro rabbit in four isolated populations across Uganda, South Sudan, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and eastern Central African Republic. Its preferred habitat includes damp savannahs, often with rocky outcrops, but it is also found in woodland savannahs and hilly areas with short grasses. It may also inhabit forests and is sometimes found sharing rock crevices with rock hyraxes.

Behavior and Ecology

As a nocturnal animal, the Bunyoro rabbit hides during daylight hours and becomes active after dusk. Its diet primarily consists of grasses and flowering plants, with a particular fondness for young shoots that appear after land is cleared or burned. It also tends to graze in pastures already frequented by larger mammals. When near cultivated areas, it has been known to feed on rice and peanut plants. Despite overlapping ranges with hares, no aggressive interactions have been observed between the species.

Reproduction and Conservation

Breeding in Bunyoro rabbits appears to occur year-round, with records of young rabbits found throughout many months. Gestation lasts approximately five weeks, and litters typically consist of one or two altricial young, born in a breeding hole. The species is classified by the IUCN as Least Concern, though its limited distribution and infrequent sightings have raised some conservation concerns. While it occurs in protected areas, specific conservation measures for the species are not in place. Hunting, primarily using dogs and nets, occurs in some parts of its range, such as Uganda.