Pedetes

mammal genus

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July 16, 2026

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The genus Pedetes refers to the spring hare, a bipedal, grazing rodent native to Africa. Resembling a large jerboa, it has a rabbit-sized body with a short head, large eyes, long ears, and powerful hind legs for jumping. Spring hares inhabit open, arid regions across southern and eastern Africa, living in burrows dug with their sharp claws. Their diet consists primarily of grasses, including roots, and they may also consume locusts and crops. Litters typically contain one or two young. Despite their name, spring hares are not related to true hares or rabbits. They are the sole members of the family Pedetidae.12

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spring hare
The extinct genus Pedetes lived in Africa during the Early Pliocene Epoch, probably in habitats similar to those occupied by the living species. A much larger version of the spring hare (genus Megapedetes) lived during Miocene times in Asia.
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The extinct genus Pedetes lived in Africa during the Early Pliocene Epoch, probably in habitats similar to those occupied by the living species. A much larger version of the spring hare (genus Megapedetes) lived during Miocene times in Asia.
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