Biology, ecology, and conservation of the Italian hare Lepus corsicanus: a review

The Italian hare Lepus corsicanus , an endemic lagomorph of Italy, serves as a critical case study in evolutionary biology and conservation. Once taxonomically debated, modern genetic and morphological analyses confirm its status as a distinct Pleistocene lineage restricted to the central‐southern Italian Peninsula and Sicily. This review synthesizes three decades of research addressing key aspects of L. corsicanus biology and conservation, including: 1) taxonomic clarification through integrative phylogenetics and fossil evidence; 2) ecological adaptations encompassing dietary plasticity, habitat partitioning, and reproductive strategies; and 3) threats ranging from habitat fragmentation and disease emergence – notably RHDV2, EBHSV, and MYXV – to predation, interspecific competition with Lepus europaeus , and hunting‐related pressures. Despite its notable ecological resilience, L. corsicanus has faced population declines primarily due to unsustainable land use, including hunting, coupled with habitat changes driven by agricultural and forest transformations. Critical knowledge gaps persist in population dynamics, disease ecology, adaptive potential and resilience under climate change, necessitating interdisciplinary and proactive approaches. We propose a conservation framework that emphasizes the safeguarding of the species and its habitats along with interdisciplinary collaboration, suggesting L. corsicanus both as a model of Mediterranean endemism and as a priority for biodiversity preservation.