A medium-sized lagomorph endemic to arctic and alpine regions of northern Europe and Asia, known for its remarkable seasonal coat color change adaptation
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Alpine tundra, boreal forests, mountainous regions from Scandinavia to Siberia, ranging from sea level to 3,000 meters elevation, preferring rocky terrain and areas with dense vegetation cover
Ecological Role
Critical herbivore in alpine ecosystems, serving as prey for predators like lynx, golden eagles, and arctic foxes; plays significant role in seed dispersal and vegetation management
Morphology
SKIN COATUnique seasonal polymorphic fur - white in winter for camouflage in snow, brown-gray in summer for blending with rocky/forest environments
LIMBS WINGSPowerful hindlimbs with elongated metatarsals, enabling swift locomotion and exceptional jumping capacity up to 3 meters horizontally
HEAD SENSORYLarge, mobile ears with keen hearing, dark eyes with wide peripheral vision, specialized for detecting predators in open landscapes
BODY STRUCTURECompact body, approximately 48-65 cm in length, weighing 2.5-4.5 kg, with robust hindlimbs adapted for rapid jumping and navigating rocky terrain
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Kjetil Fjellheim from Bergen, Norway
