A shy and secretive mammal, the hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) has distinctively short ears and, unlike other members of the Leporidae family, its hind legs are relatively stout, only just exceeding the length of the forelegs.

The fur of the hispid hare is blackish-brown on the back, paler brown on the chest and white on the belly. The fur on the upperparts is particularly coarse, hence this species’ nickname, the ‘bristly rabbit’, while the fur on the underparts is short and soft. The tail is completely brown, although it is slightly darker above. It has strong, straight claws.