About Pronolagus saundersiae Hewitt, 1927
Pronolagus saundersiae Hewitt, 1927, or Saunders's red rock hare, is a medium-sized, densely furred red rock hare, with adults weighing 1.35–2.05 kg (3.0–4.5 lb). Its body is largely brown, with light rufous underparts and a tail that ranges from sandy to red in color. Its sides are slightly paler than its back, and its grayish-brown head has grayish-white cheeks. Fur color varies based on the hare's habitat. Adult head-body length ranges from 380 to 535 mm (15.0 to 21.1 in), tail length from 50 to 115 mm (2.0 to 4.5 in), ear length from 80 to 110 mm (3.1 to 4.3 in), and hind foot length from 85 to 100 mm (3.3 to 3.9 in). This species is distributed across South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho. Within South Africa, it occurs in the provinces of Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. It is found in the western half of Eswatini and throughout the whole of Lesotho. In some regions, its range overlaps with Jameson's red rock hare, and the two species occupy habitats that differ in elevation and rainfall. In other overlapping areas, it occurs alongside the Natal red rock hare, with the two species living in the same geographic range. Its habitat is similar to that of other red rock hares: it occupies rocky escarpments, hillsides, and kopjes, and is particularly found on the tops of rocky outcroppings and in higher elevation areas overall. This preference for higher elevations helps separate it from other red rock hare species where their ranges overlap. It can also be found in elevated grassland and shrubland habitats. P. saundersiae is presumed to behave similarly to Smith's red rock hare: it is a nocturnal forager that shelters under boulders and in rock crevices. It is likely a folivore, feeding primarily on grasses, herbs, and shrubs. Documented predators of P. saundersiae and red rock hares more generally include Verreaux's eagle, Cape eagle-owls, and leopards. Breeding occurs during the warm season, and females produce three to four litters per breeding season. Each litter contains one to two altricial (underdeveloped at birth) young.
