Morphometrics of Hares from Three Ecological Regions in Sudan

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine morphological discrimination in body measurements of Lepus capensis collected from different geographic regions of Sudan and to test if the morphological results are consistent in the different regions. Ninety six hares (44 males and 52 females) were examined for body weight, total length, ear length, tail length, hind foot length, length of front leg, length of back leg, distance between ears, distance between eyes, neck length, height and back length. Body measurements were taken by a tape, live weight by digital balance with 0.05 mm precision. The results revealed that tail length, distance between eyes and height varied in hares among the geographical regions; females were heavier, with shorter necks compared with males. The conclusion of the study the hares from Western region had longer tails than those between the White and Blue Niles, and those from the Eastern region. Also females were heavier than males, this is indicating to sexual dimorphism,