Pedetes

Lore & Background

Pedetes is a genus of rodent, the springhares, in the family Pedetidae. Members of the genus are distributed across southern and Eastern Africa. A number of species both extant and extinct are classified in the genus, including the South African springhare (Pedetes capensis), the East African springhare (Pedetes surdaster), and the Pliocene fossil Pedetes laetoliensis. Throughout the 20th century, the living species were merged into P. capensis, making the genus monotypic; the prehistoric species was never lumped with the extant forms.

Reader's Guide

These rodents are generally nocturnal and sleep through the day in burrows they dig. They feed on foliage, roots and other vegetable matter, and occasionally arthropods. Outside the burrow they usually move around by hopping on their hind legs. When only one springhare species was recognized, it was listed as vulnerable by the IUCN in 1996 due to an approximately 20% decrease in the population over the previous ten years, caused by intense hunting and loss of habitat.

However, the negative trend has not persisted, and both species are now listed as Species of Least Concern. The coat of these rodents is known to glow a fluorescent color when viewed under black light. They have a range of vocalizations, including grunts, bleats, and a piping contact call. The genus is noted in comparisons with hopping mice, jerboas, jumping mice, kangaroo rats, and the kultarr as examples of parallel or convergent evolution.