Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Leporidae
- Genus
- Lepus
Habitat
Broom hares primarily inhabit mountainous and hilly regions with scrubland, grasslands, and sparse forests in northern Spain, particularly the Cantabrian Mountains. They prefer elevations between 500 and 2000 meters, avoiding dense woodlands in favor of open areas for foraging and escape. This terrain offers cover from predators and access to varied vegetation.
Diet
Broom hares mainly consume grasses, herbs, and shrubs, with a preference for young, tender plants. They are crepuscular feeders, most active at dawn and dusk to avoid predators, and supplement their diet with bark and roots during winter scarcity. Their feeding behavior involves selective grazing to maximize nutrient intake.
Behavior
Broom hares are generally solitary animals, coming together only for mating, and are most active during twilight hours to evade detection. They exhibit territorial behavior by marking areas with scat and are known for their high-speed zigzagging escapes when pursued. These hares are alert and use their keen senses to detect threats, often freezing in place before fleeing.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the Broom hare as Vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation and overhunting. Major threats include agricultural expansion and climate change, with populations showing a declining trend.