lebres

Lebres are mammals in the family Leporidae and the genus Lepus. They are commonly referred to as hares in English and are characterized by long ears, long hind legs, and a lean body adapted for fast running. Unlike rabbits, many hare species give birth to leverets that are already furred and mobile, and they typically nest above ground in shallow forms rather than in burrows.

Lebres inhabit a wide range of open and semi-open habitats across the Holarctic region, including Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They favor grasslands, meadows, steppes, and agricultural areas where visibility helps detect predators. Coat color often changes with the seasons; for example, the European hare (Lepus europaeus) shifts from brown in summer to a grayish-brown in winter, while the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) may turn white in winter at higher latitudes.

These animals are herbivores, feeding mainly on grasses, herbs, and leafy plants. In harsher seasons they may supplement their diet with bark or twigs. Reproduction varies by species but many hares can produce several litters per year, with gestation around 40 to 45 days and litters of two to four leverets. Leverets are typically independent relatively quickly after birth, relying on speed and agility to escape predators.

Predation is a major selective pressure, and hares are prey for a range of predators, including foxes, wolves, large raptors, and, in some regions, humans. Conservation status also varies by species and region; while many hares are listed as of least concern, habitat loss, hunting, and environmental changes can threaten local populations. Lebres play an important ecological role as herbivores and as prey in many open-habitat ecosystems.