- The hispid hare is also called Assam rabbit and bristly rabbit.
- It is a native to South Asia, whose historic range extends along the southern foothills of the Himalayas.
- For the first time in two decades, it was spotted in Jaldapara National Park in West Bengal, in 2020.
- The animal is now restricted mainly to Assam and Jaldapara, Bangladesh, Nepal and possibly Bhutan.
- World population of the species is said to be below 300 individuals.
- IUCN Conservation status- Endangered.
- Populations have experienced a continuing decline in suitable habitat due to increasing agriculture, flood control, and human development.
- The species inhabits tracts of early successional tall grasslands and takes refuge in marshy areas or grasses adjacent to river banks during the dry season.
Source: The Hindu
