Hispid Hare (Caprolagus hispidus), known as Laghukarna Kharayo in Nepali, belongs to order Lagomorpha and family Leporidae. Globally, it is native to Bhutan, India and Nepal. In Nepal this species has been recorded only from the protected areas of lowlands viz. Chitwan, Bardia and Shukla Phanta National Parks. The global population of this species is estimated to be as few as 300 individuals. In undisturbed grasslands of Nepal, its population density has been estimated as one individual per 1,470 m2. It is listed as an endangered species in IUCN red list category because it exists within an area of occupancy of less than 500 km² and is experiencing continuing decline in suitable habitat due to seasonal controlled burning, increasing agriculture, flood control, grazing pressure, predation, loss of grassland habitat due to encroaching broadleaved trees, thatch collection, and human development. National red list of mammals also categorizes it as an endangered species. The legal status of this species in Nepal is Protected (Appendix I) under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 and Appendix I in CITES law.
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