@North Pole Rabbit: Cute thing, you really don’t mind the cold…

Rabbits in the world are classified into eight genera. Some species are so common that they are considered pests, while others are extremely rare and on the verge of extinction. There are Ryukyu rabbits, South African mountain rabbits, Sumatran rabbits, Arctic rabbits, Eastern cottontail rabbits, etc. Today we are going to talk about the Arctic rabbit.

Arctic hares are mainly found in cold regions near the Arctic Circle, including Greenland in North America, northern Canada, and the Arctic region of Eurasia. They live in a variety of environments, including tundra, ice sheets, and mountains, and are able to adapt to extreme cold and harsh climatic conditions. They are larger and more robust than ordinary rabbits, which helps them retain heat in cold environments. Adult Arctic hares can reach 45-65 cm in length and generally weigh around 3-5 kg. They can live up to 5 years, but living in harsh environments makes it difficult for them to live to this age. One of their most notable features is their thick fur, the color of which changes with the seasons.

Arctic hares play an important role in the Arctic ecosystem. As herbivores, they are primary consumers, mainly feeding on plants such as mosses, lichens, grasses and bark. In the Arctic region, plant resources are relatively scarce, and meat is sometimes eaten. During the long winter, most plants are covered with ice and snow. In order to obtain enough food, Arctic hares will dig plants under the snow. Their sharp claws and strong forelimbs enable them to easily dig out food in the snow. In addition, Arctic hares will store some food for emergencies. They will hide excess food in caves or other hidden places when food is abundant in summer and autumn. Controlling the growth and distribution of plants by eating plants plays a key role in maintaining the ecological balance in the Arctic. At the same time, Arctic hares are also important prey for many carnivores, such as Arctic foxes, wolves, snowy owls, etc. Their existence provides a source of food for these carnivores and constitutes an indispensable link in the Arctic food chain.

Arctic hares have a range of excellent physiological mechanisms for keeping warm. Their ears are relatively short, which reduces the area of ​​heat loss from the ears and is an important adaptation to the cold environment. In addition, they have dense hair on the bottom of their feet, just like wearing a pair of natural snow boots, which can provide good grip and prevent frostbite. Arctic hares also have a relatively thick layer of fat, which provides them with additional energy reserves and warmth in the cold winter.

The fur of Arctic hares is very magical. They can change the color of their fur according to the change of seasons. This color change is the result of the combined action of multiple factors. On the one hand, the change of light hours will affect the secretion of hormones in the Arctic hare, thereby regulating the synthesis of hair pigments; on the other hand, the type and nutritional content of food may also have a certain impact on the hair color. Through this color change mechanism, Arctic hares can better hide themselves in different seasons to avoid being discovered by natural enemies. When there are natural enemies, they will jump and run quickly like kangaroos, with their front legs off the ground and their hind legs on the ground.

Arctic hares usually live in groups, which brings them many benefits. Group members will cooperate with each other to find food and build nests together. When facing natural enemies, they will also be on the alert for each other. Once they find danger, they will quickly send out alarm signals so that the entire group can take shelter in time. The size of Arctic hares' groups varies. Small groups may only have a few individuals, while large groups can reach dozens or even hundreds of individuals.

Arctic hares, with their unique physiological habits, wide distribution and magical hair, have shown their tenacious vitality in the cold and mysterious land of the Arctic. They are an important part of the Arctic ecosystem and a precious treasure given to us by nature. With the impact of climate change and human activities, the living environment of Arctic hares is facing severe challenges. We should strengthen the protection of the Arctic ecosystem and create a better future for these lovely creatures.

References

[1] “Fashion Week” of mammals[J]. Exploration of Nature, 2013, (10): 33.

[2] Ma Weidong. Animals wearing “winter clothes”[J]. English Pictorial (Advanced Edition), 2020, (05): 28-29.

[3] 9 Special Rabbits[J]. New Science Fiction (Science Reading Edition), 2013, (05): 34-35.

[4] Cute things in the snow [J]. Primary School Reading Guide (Senior Grade Edition), 2015, (11): 42-43.

[5] Kingfisher. The Worried Arctic Hare[J]. Little Star (Primary Edition), 2018, (12): 36-39.

[6] Yang et al., Coffee. Round “snowball”, big paws – Arctic hare[J]. Red Dragonfly, 2024, (29): 28-31.