Lepus alleni

Antelope Jackrabbits are known for their incredible speed and agility, which they use to escape predators. They are mostly nocturnal, preferring to feed at night on a variety of grasses and cacti. During the day, they often rest in shaded areas to avoid the extreme heat.

The breeding season for Antelope Jackrabbits typically occurs in the spring and early summer. Females can produce several litters per year, with each litter consisting of one to five young. The young are precocial, born fully furred and with their eyes open, and they develop quickly.

This species is one of the largest hares in North America, with adults weighing up to 9 pounds (4 kg) and having body lengths up to 24 inches (61 cm). Their long legs and large ears are not just distinctive features but also crucial adaptations to their desert habitat.

The Antelope Jackrabbit has been an important part of the desert ecosystems, serving as prey for a variety of predators and playing a role in the dispersal of seeds through its diet.

While the Antelope Jackrabbit is not currently listed as endangered, its population faces pressures from habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Conservation efforts are focused on habitat preservation and monitoring population trends to ensure it remains a stable species in its native range.