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Jameson's Red Rockhare
Mammals nocturnal

Jameson's Red Rockhare

Pronolagus randensis

A secretive specialist of the Southern African hills, Jameson's Red Rockhare is a master of camouflage and agility. Found exclusively among boulders and koppies, this nocturnal acrobat uses its powerful legs to vanish into the shadows at the first sign of danger.

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Quick Identification

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Size

42 to 50 cm (16.5 to 19.7 inches) in length; weights range from 1.82 to 2.95 kg (4 to 6.5 lbs)

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Colors

Grizzled brown and grey upperparts with a distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) rump and tail; pale buff or white underbelly; ears are grey with dark edges.

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Key Features

  • Large greyish ears with blackish tips
  • Prominent reddish-brown tail and hindquarters
  • Grizzled salt-and-pepper fur on the back
  • Stocky build with powerful hind legs for jumping

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern nocturnal
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Peak hours 8 PM - 4 AM
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Season Year-round
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Diet A specialized grazer that feeds almost exclusively on the tender shoots and leaves of various grasses found within or adjacent to rocky habitats.
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Habitat Rocky hillsides, boulder-strewn slopes, and mountain ranges in savanna or woodland environments.

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Behavior

Jameson’s Red Rockhares are the ultimate masters of the 'koppie'—the rocky hills and outcrops of Southern Africa. They are strictly nocturnal and spend their daylight hours wedged deep within rock crevices or tucked under dense vegetation to avoid predators. Unlike their cousins in the open plains, these hares are incredibly agile climbers and jumpers, capable of navigating vertical terrain with ease.

They are generally solitary animals, though they may share a preferred feeding ground or a communal latrine. When threatened, they don't rely on long-distance speed; instead, they use a series of powerful, erratic leaps to reach the safety of a nearby rock crevice. If cornered or startled, they are known to emit a high-pitched, piercing whistle that serves as an alarm to other hares in the area.

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Camera Tips

Capturing a Jameson’s Red Rockhare on camera requires a strategic approach focused on their very specific habitat requirements. Because they are so tied to rocky terrain, do not waste time setting up cameras in open lawns or flat dirt patches. Look for 'latrines'—flat rock surfaces or the bases of large boulders covered in small, round dung pellets. These are communal spots that the hares visit frequently, making them the gold standard for camera placement.

Mount your camera low to the ground, about 12 to 18 inches high, and angle it slightly upward if you are shooting toward a rock face. Since these hares are strictly nocturnal, your camera’s infrared (IR) capabilities are critical. To avoid the 'white-out' effect where the animal's reflective fur turns into a glowing blob, try to position the camera at least 5 to 7 feet away from the target spot. If your camera has an 'Adjustable IR' or 'High Speed' shutter setting, use it to capture their quick movements without blurring.

While they are grazers, they are attracted to the moisture and nutrient density of garden areas that border natural rocky ridges. If your property has a rock wall or a natural outcrop, placing a small water source nearby can be a major draw during the dry season. They are extremely sensitive to movement and scent, so ensure your camera is well-camouflaged and try to minimize your visits to the site to keep the area smelling 'human-free.'

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Jameson's Red Rockhare.

Natal Red Rockhare

Larger in size with a more robust build and found primarily in higher rainfall areas of the eastern coast and escarpment.

Smith's Red Rockhare

Smaller overall with shorter ears and typically found in the more arid Karoo regions of South Africa.

Scrub Hare

Lacks the reddish rump and tail, has much longer ears and legs, and prefers open scrubland over rocky terrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jameson's Red Rockhare is strictly nocturnal, emerging from rocky crevices shortly after sunset and returning to their shelters before dawn. They are most active during the darkest hours of the night, between 8 PM and 4 AM.
The best way to attract Jameson's Red Rockhare is to maintain natural rocky features and minimize disturbances. If your yard borders a rocky hill, avoid clearing away boulders and keep domestic pets indoors at night. Providing a clean, low-profile water source near rocky cover can also encourage them to visit.
These hares are herbivores that specialize in grazing. They primarily eat various species of grasses that grow around their rocky habitats, often venturing only a short distance from the safety of the rocks to forage.
They are only found in suburban areas that directly overlap with their natural habitat—specifically rocky ridges or 'koppies.' They do not adapt well to flat, open suburban landscapes and require the security of rock crevices for survival.
Jameson's Red Rockhare is slightly smaller and has more pronounced grey tones on its ears compared to the Natal Red Rockhare. While their ranges can overlap, Jameson's is more commonly found in the drier, interior regions of Southern Africa.

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