Cedarzing

A Silent Guardian of Lebanon’s Open Landscapes

The Cape Hare (often called the Lebanese Wild Hare) is a swift, elusive creature that darts through the country’s hills, farmlands, and semi-arid plains. Unlike its European cousin, this hare thrives in Lebanon’s rugged terrain, playing a vital yet often overlooked role in the ecosystem.

Habitat & Where to Spot It

- Preferred Zones: Open fields, rocky slopes, and the edges of cedar forests.

- Makmel Mountain foothills

- Behavior Nocturnal and shy—dawn/dusk are the best times to glimpse one.

Why This Hare Matters
✅ Ecosystem Engineer:
- Its grazing controls grass/weed growth, reducing wildfire risks.

- Burrows provide shelter for smaller animals (reptiles, insects).
✅ Prey Species:
A critical food source for foxes, eagles, and wolves, maintaining predator balance.
✅ Seed Disperser: Helps spread native plant seeds through droppings.

Threats & Conservation Status

- Hunting & Poaching: Often illegally hunted for sport or meat.

- Habitat Loss: Farms and urban sprawl shrink its living space.

- Status: Not yet endangered in Lebanon, but declining (needs monitoring).

How to Protect Lebanon’s Wild Hares

- Support Habitat Conservation: NGOs like SPNL (Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon) work on preserving open landscapes.

- Report Illegal Hunting: Contact Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture or local rangers.

- Eco-Awareness: Teach communities that hares are worth more alive (for ecology & tourism) than hunted.

A Symbol of Wild Lebanon
This hare isn’t just fast—it’s resilient. Watching one sprint across a moonlit field is a reminder of Lebanon’s untamed beauty, still fighting to endure.

Quick Facts Sidebar

Lebanon’s Cape Hare (Lepus capensis)

- Speed: Up to 70 km/h (one of the fastest mammals in Lebanon!).

- Diet: Grasses, herbs, and crops (sometimes a farmer’s headache).

- Cultural Role: Folktales depict hares as clever tricksters.

- Call to Action: If you see one, observe quietly—no chasing!