Hare numbers are affected by ticks

SIR, – The claims by RSPB and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (TCEH) that the mountain hare population in the eastern Highlands has declined by 99% since 1954, and that moorland management of grouse is to blame, is misleading and far from the truth (Press and Journal, August 14). The management of hares is nothing new – in fact it’s been going on for well over 100 years.

Yes, hare numbers have declined in some areas, but what both organisations failed to mention is the impact ticks have had on the hare population. They also fail to mention the hills during the era mentioned were heavily stocked with sheep and dipping sheep was then compulsory and kept the tick at bay. The changing climate suits ticks and, coupled with the massive reduction of hill sheep and the end of compulsory dipping, tick numbers have risen and spread to the detriment of the mountain hare.

They also neglected to mention that the areas where hares are still found in good numbers are on heather moorland managed for grouse, where the owner, out of his own pocket, has reintroduced sheep and a dipping policy. Not only have hares benefited, so too have many of our endangered moorland birds.

Peter Fraser, Catanellan, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire