Japanese hare

The Japanese hare (Lepus brachyurus) is a member of the Lagomorpha order and the Leporidae family. Native to the Japanese archipelago, this mammal has successfully adapted to human-altered landscapes, often treating commercial agricultural fields as a primary source of high-nutrient food.

The pest primarily targets vegetable crops, legumes, and young woody plants. In orchards and forest nurseries, the Japanese hare is known to cause significant economic losses by stripping the bark from the stems and branches of saplings, which frequently leads to tree mortality or stunted growth.

The biology of the species involves crepuscular and nocturnal feeding habits. Their breeding cycle is quite prolific, with multiple litters per year, allowing population numbers to rise rapidly if environmental conditions are favorable. This high population density puts immense pressure on local vegetation and cultivated crops throughout the growing season.

Damage assessment typically reveals clear signs of gnawing on the lower stems of plants and trees. The economic impact is twofold: immediate loss of biomass and long-term loss of productive capital when trees or perennial crops are destroyed. Farmers must monitor fields consistently to prevent widespread destruction of young, vulnerable crops.

Integrated pest management strategies are recommended to mitigate the damage:

• Installation of wire mesh fences to physically exclude the animals from fields.
• Application of taste-based or scent-based repellents on plants.
• Implementation of visual and acoustic scaring devices to disrupt feeding patterns.
• Maintenance of clean perimeters to reduce cover for the hares.