Tolai hare

Scientific name: Lepus tolai

Field notes

Appearance

Greyish-brown to reddish-brown coat with white underside. Noticeably smaller than European hare with shorter hind legs and smaller ears. Females typically larger than males.

Size and weight

Average 1.5–2.5 kg; body length 37–50 cm. Males around 1.6 kg, females around 2.1 kg.

Habitat

Open and semi-open steppe landscape with sparse vegetation, ranging from desert to upland plateaus. Elevation preference from 300 to 2000 metres.

Distribution

Found across Central and East Asia from Mongolia to northwest China and Siberia. Prefers open steppe habitat.

Diet

Grazes grass, herbs, and shrub vegetation; in winter feeds on dry grass and plant stems.

Behaviour

Crepuscular and nocturnal; becomes partly diurnal under favourable conditions. Solitary; flees when threatened.

Hunting tips

Track fresh prints and droppings in open terrain, particularly at dawn. Approach downwind and move slowly from available cover. Use natural terrain features and ridges to minimise silhouette while stalking.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 11 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

Current language: en

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.