Superfetation increases the reproduction rate in European hares

Just before Easter, the mating season of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) reaches its first peak. With a bit of luck and fine weather, one can observe how several does and bucks gather in fields for the hare wedding, chasing each other around.

Rough courtship and wild chases

The hare wedding is anything but gentle. “What makes it special is that the bucks must prove their strength and power to the doe in close combat,” explains Dr. Andreas Kinser, forestry and hunting expert at the Deutsche Wildtier Stiftung. After the buck’s rough courtship with persistent advances, a wild chase ensues, repeatedly interrupted by brief boxing matches. The does then select the fittest bucks to mate with.

Superfetation: a trick of Mother Nature

“However, it doesn’t stop at a single mating,” explains Kinser. Within a short space of time, the doe mates several times, meaning that the young of a single litter can have different fathers. In addition, the female European hare has a “surprise egg” within her body, as evolution has developed a special mechanism to increase the European hare population. Does can be fertilised again during the gestation period of around 40 days. This means that embryos at different stages of development are present in the uterus at the same time. “This trick of Mother Nature is called superfetation,” explains hare expert Kinser. This can increase the reproduction rate, as litters can be born in quicker succession. More about fascinating wildlife.