European Hare - Taxonomy and Genetics

Taxonomy and Genetics

One study of the nuclear gene pool of the European hare and the Cape hare suggests they may well be the same species. However, a later study of the mtDNA of these same animals concluded they diverged significantly and are thus different species. It has been suggested that in the case of hares whose evolution is rapid, species designation cannot be based solely on mtDNA and there needs to be examination of the nuclear gene pool. It seems the genetic differentiation between the European and Cape hare is caused by geographic distance rather than divergence. It has been speculated that in Near Eastern, hares are experiencing gene flow where populations meet and this may leave to intergraded populations. It has been proposed that "a combined phylogenetic, phylogeographic, and population genetic approach,…, based on various nuclear and mitochondrial markers and including other biological characters, such as phenotypic and morphometric data," are needed for conclusive evidence of a single species complex. However, the European hare remains classified as a true species until there is data found supporting a change its taxonomic status.

There appears to be genetic diversity in the European hare in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany. However, it is possible that restricted gene flow could change this within populations that become isolated. Based, on molecular phylogenetic studies the Cantabric population in Spain has unique mtDNA in relation to other European populations.