Hare

Common Name: Feral Hare / European Brown Hare

Family Name: Leporidae

Scientific Name: Lepus Europaeus Occidentalis

Status: Introduced, Not Protected

Average Size: 50cm long, 3.8kg

Average Lifespan: 3 to 4 years

Litter: 2 to 5

Gestation: 42 days

Weaned: 5 to 8 weeks

Background: England, introduced onto the shores of Victoria's Westernport Bay in 1862

Breeding: Polyandry mating system, can produce 4 litters per year.

Impacts: Significant land degradation, competition with native species, and economic losses, with over 300 native species threatened.

Hares are commonly mistaken as rabbits, however, hares are generally larger, have longer ears (often with black tips), and longer legs compared to rabbits. Hares are primarily recognised as pest species in the states of Victoria and New South Wales, whereas rabbits are classified as pest species in all Australian states and territories.