A large desert hare with extraordinarily long ears for heat dissipation. White flanks and underparts.

Also called: Allen's Jackrabbit, White-sided Jackrabbit (regional)

Native status: Native; range-restricted

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 50–67 cm (20–26 in); ears 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in) — among the largest ears of any hare
Weight3–4 kg (6.6–9 lb)
LifespanWild typically 5 years
OrderLagomorpha
FamilyLeporidae

§ Encyclopedia

The antelope jackrabbit, also known as Allen's hare, is a species of North American hare in the family Leporidae found in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Considered the "handsomest" of the hares, it occupies dry desert areas and was one of the last of the North American mammals to be formally described.

Source: Wikipedia — Antelope jackrabbit Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Very large hare with enormous black-tipped ears; gray-brown back, pure white flanks and belly visible when running. White flash is distinctive in flight.

Similar species. Black-tailed Jackrabbit (smaller, no white flank flash, black-topped tail). White-tailed Jackrabbit (different range, no white flanks).

Voice. Generally silent; high screams when injured.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Cacti (mesquite pods, prickly pear, cholla), grass, mesquite leaves. Gets most water from succulent plants.

Behavior. Restricted to a small range in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. Enormous ears act as heat radiators — capillary networks dissipate body heat to keep cooler than ambient air temperature in extreme desert heat. Can sprint up to 70 km/h (45 mph) for short bursts. Flashes pure white flanks as alarm signal — earning the "antelope" comparison.

§ Range

Sonoran Desert, southern Arizona, northwestern Mexico

§ Habitat

Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts

§ Threats

Habitat loss, climate change.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the antelope jackrabbit is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support Sonoran Desert conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Arizona Game and Fish Department
  • University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
  • IUCN Red List 2019