In the UK, both brown and mountain hares have suffered substantial population declines in the last century. Both are recognised as threatened species, and are included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. A 1995 target set for brown hares, to double springtime numbers in Britain by 2010, was not achieved.
Enhancing the survival of hares, and particularly the young (leverets), would greatly assist in achieving an increase in numbers, as envisaged by the Action Plan. Yet, each year, during the breeding period, many tens of thousands of dependent leverets are left to die when pregnant and nursing females are killed.
Urgent action is needed to help protect these already vulnerable animals.
News
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February 7, 2012
Protection for Hares Introduced in Scotland
The first of February 2012 saw a watershed for hare protection in Scotland. The introduction of Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011 makes it an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure or take brown hares from 1 February to 30 September, and mountain hares from 1 March to 31 July.