Mountain hare numbers plummet
There has been a severe decline in the number of mountain hares on the grouse moors of the eastern Highlands.
A new study by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and the RSPB found mountain hare numbers are less than one per cent of their initial levels on red grouse land.
From 1954 until 1999 mountain hare populations declined by five per cent every year, mostly likely due to land changes such as the loss of grouse moors to conifer forests.
Since 1999 this decline has increased dramatically to 30 per cent every year, meaning last year’s count was less than one per cent of the original numbers recorded in 1954.
Adam Watson, the lead author of the paper, said: “Having counted mountain hares across the moors and high tops of the eastern Highlands since 1943, I find the decline in numbers of these beautiful animals both compelling and of great concern.
“We need the Scottish Government and Scottish Natural Heritage to take action to help these iconic mammals of the hill. I hope they will listen to the voice of scientific research.”
Duncan Orr Ewing from RSPB Scotland said: “The mountain hare is a keystone native species of the Scottish uplands.
“This authoritative research suggests that we should be very concerned about its population status in its former strongholds.
“We consider that large-scale population reduction culls are both illegal under EU law and unwarranted as a method for controlling grouse disease.
“Management of this species should now be more tightly controlled by Scottish Natural Heritage to safeguard mountain hare populations.
“We expect this subject to be given thorough consideration by the current independent grouse moor enquiry, which is looking at how grouse moors can be managed sustainably and within the law.”
The grouse shooting season began on Sunday on estates across Perth and Kinross. Mountain hare