East African springhare

Pedetes surdaster was recognised by Matthee and Robinson in 1997 as a species distinct from the southern African springhare (P. capensis) based on genetic, morphological, and ethological differences.^[3] P. capensis from South Africa has fewer chromosomes (2n= 38) than does P. surdaster which has (2n = 40) and some other genetic variations.^[4] The species was confirmed by Dieterlen in 2005.^[1]

Unlike P. capensis, the second and third cervical vertebrae are fused in this species.^{[citation needed]}

This species is found in central and southern Kenya and most of Tanzania. A single specimen has been recorded in Uganda near the Kenya border, at Mount Moroto. It is found from sea level up to an altitude over 2,000 m.^[1]

The East African springhare resembles a small kangaroo (a marsupial in the family Macropodidae of Oceania), and is about the size of a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). It is mid-brown, has large erect ears, very short forelegs, and long powerful hind legs.^[5] It moves in bounds of up to 12 feet and has a long tail fringed with black hairs which provides balance.^[6]

The East African springhare is nocturnal and spends the day in an extensive system of burrows. It lives in semiarid grassland habitats.^[1] The diet is the green parts of plants, roots and other vegetable matter, and occasionally insects.^[5]