It is classified as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), being abundant in the protected areas its distribution overlaps, but its population is decreasing.

Pronolagus randensis was first described by and named after Irish zoologist Henry Lyster Jameson in 1907 at Observatory Hill, now Johannesburg,[5] in what was at that time the Transvaal Colony.

[12] Fossil evidence of Pronolagus randensis, like that of other red rock hares, is scarce and was poorly documented before the 21st century.

While the genus as a whole has been described from the early Pliocene onward, historic fossil occurrences have often not been described or illustrated, and distinct information on speciation is unclear,[7] though a nuclear and mitochondrial DNA study by Matthee et al. indicates P. rupestris as being the second-most basal of the species in Pronolagus, following P.

[10] P. randensis inhabits rocky areas with grass or scrub and generally remains within its habitat,[8] though it may disperse up to 22 km (14 mi) when needed.

Another notable feature is the frontal-parietal suture, which is positioned behind the rear attachments of the cheekbones, creating a larger frontal bone surface on the skull's roof compared to other species.

[7] The size of the incisors may be useful in distinguishing the members of Pronolagus apart, with those of P. randensis having greater average width than P. rupestris but less than P. crassicaudatus (P. saundersiae was not considered a distinct species at the time of evaluation).

[10] Primarily nocturnal, Pronolagus randensis remains in hiding during the day, though it will emerge in the early morning from shelter to bask in the sun.

[11] Unlike hyraxes, similarly sized[17] mammals that share the same rocky habitat and frequently bask on exposed rocks,[18] P. randensis remains hidden and does not use observation boulders.

Known predators of Pronolagus randensis and red rock hares in general are Verreaux's eagle, Cape eagle-owls, and leopards.

Based on behavior observed in Zimbabwe, it is assumed that breeding occurs year-round, with females giving birth to one to two young per litter.

[21][22] Jameson's red rock hare is listed as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The expansion of commercial plantations has contributed to habitat loss,[11] and, as of 2019[update], the population of Pronolagus randensis appears to be decreasing.