 There is some debate as to whether the European hare and Cape hare are the same species . A 2005 nuclear gene pool study supported this position . However , a 2006 study of the mtDNA of these same animals concluded they had diverged enough to be considered separate species . A 2008 study claims that in the case of Lepus hares , with their rapid evolution , species designation cannot be based solely on mtDNA but should also include an examination of the nuclear gene pool . It is possible that the genetic differences between the European and Cape hare is due to geographic distance rather than actual divergence . It has been speculated that in the Near East , hare populations are intergrading and experiencing gene flow . Another 2008 study suggests that more research is needed before a conclusion is reached as to whether there is a species complex . As of 2008 , the European hare remains classified as a single species until further data shows otherwise . 
