Apennine Hare

It is similar to the European hare in appearance, being largely brown with a cream-coloured belly. It differs in having grey rather than white bases to the hairs of the underfur. It is smaller on average than the European hare with a head and body length of 44.1–61.2 cm (17.4–24.1 in), a tail length of 6.6–11.2 cm (2.6–4.4 in) and a weight of 1.8–3.8 kg (4.0–8.4 lb). The ears and hind legs are relatively longer, 9–12.6 cm (3.5–5.0 in) and 11.4–13.5 cm (4.5–5.3 in) respectively.

It is found in maquis shrubland, grassland, cultivated areas and dunes. It is common and widespread on Sicily where it occurs from sea-level up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) on Mount Etna. In mainland Italy, its range is more fragmented, extending patchily north to Tuscany on the west coast and Foggia on the east coast. It was introduced to Corsica by humans, probably between the 14th and 17th centuries, and is currently rare there with only a few recent records.