Leverets

Leverets are the young of hares, the offspring of species in the genus Lepus. Unlike the young of rabbits, leverets are precocial: they are relatively well-developed at birth and can move about soon after birth.

Birth and early life: Leverets are born with fur and open eyes in simple forms in vegetation rather than in burrows. They are usually left alone by mothers for most of the day and are nursed briefly from time to time. This strategy reduces the risk of the nest being found by predators. Within hours to days, leverets can move and begin feeding on vegetation while still dependent on milk.

Habitat and behavior: Hares inhabit open habitats such as fields, meadows, and scrub, often in regions where predation risk is offset by speed. Leverets rely on camouflage and quick escape, rather than dig burrows or hide in nests.

Reproduction and life cycle: Gestation in hares is about 40 days; litter sizes range from 1 to several leverets, varying by species; juveniles reach sexual maturity within a few months and many species may breed more than once per year in favorable climates.

Taxonomy and conservation: Leverets belong to the family Leporidae, genus Lepus. They are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Africa and have many species, most not endangered; however, some populations are impacted by habitat loss and hunting. Conservation statuses vary by species.