Greenland Arctic hare
The Arctic hare is one of the largest living representatives of the order Lagomorpha, which includes all species of hares and rabbits. It can grow up to 70 cm (28 in) long and weigh 7 kg (15 lb). However, its ears are relatively short. In addition to the population in Greenland, there are three other subspecies in northern Canada and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
Adaptation to the Arctic environment
Although Arctic hares are generally solitary, they can form large groups of over a hundred animals, especially in winter. To protect themselves from the cold, they also dig burrows in the snow or allow themselves to be snowed in. Due to the scarcity of water in their habitat, they meet their fluid needs by eating snow. Females give birth to up to eight young per litter, which are fully grown and sexually mature within a year.
Locomotion and vision
Arctic hares can run up to 65 km/h (40 mph) and swim short distances. Thanks to the position of their eyes, Arctic hares have a 360-degree vision. Another special feature is their ability to stand on their hind legs to get a better view of their surroundings.
Facts
- Binominal name: Lepus arcticus groenlandicus
- Other names: Polar rabbit
- First described: 1819 (John Ross)
- Distribution: Tundra areas in northern and southwestern Greenland
Arctic hare souvenir note
This souvenir note from the Greenland Series is dedicated to the Greenland Arctic hare. Printed on genuine security paper, it features the coat of arms of Greenland as a gold foil patch, motifs in UV color and haptic elements. While the vertically designed obverse depicts two Arctic hares, the reverse shows the tail fin of a whale, a coastal glacier and the Kingittorsuaq Runestone, which was discovered in 1824 by a hunter in north-west Greenland and is now in the Danish National Museum. The runes on it are of Norse origin and date from between 1135 and 1330. The Greenland Series which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Two Greenland Arctic hares, coat of arms of Greenland, map of Greenland
Reverse: Tail fin of a whale, coastal glacier, Kingittorsuaq Runestone, Inuit art
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
