Pedetidae

Pedetidae is a small family of hopping rodents native to Africa and the only surviving lineage of the suborder Anomaluromorpha. It includes the extant genus Pedetes, commonly known as springhares, and several extinct genera known from fossil records. The two living species are Pedetes capensis, the South African springhare, and Pedetes surifer, the East African springhare.

Physically, springhares resemble compact, furred quadrupeds with disproportionately long hind limbs and a relatively short forelimb. Their hind legs are highly muscular and elongated, adapted for powerful saltatorial locomotion, while a long tail aids in balance during rapid hops. They have sharp, continuously growing incisors like other rodents, and their fur is typically brownish or grayish, providing camouflage in grassland habitats. Their overall anatomy reflects a lifestyle that combines burrowing and nocturnal grazing.

Ecologically, Pedetidae species are primarily nocturnal herbivores that feed on grasses, seeds, leaves, and fruit. They dig and inhabit burrow systems, which provide shelter from heat and predators and serve as nurseries for their young. In the open savannas and lightly wooded regions of sub-Saharan Africa, springhares can cover large distances by hopping, especially when foraging between burrows or escaping threats. They are generally solitary or live in small, transient groups, depending on resource availability and breeding cycles.

Taxonomically, the family is of interest for its distinctive adaptations among rodents, and its fossil record indicates a broader historical distribution and diversity within Africa. Conservation statuses vary by region, but the species as a whole are not widely considered endangered, though local habitat alteration can impact populations.