farming

Hares do not live in burrows but permanently above ground, relying on vegetation for food and shelter. This makes them extremely vulnerable to disturbance. Farming accounts for around 70% of land use in Ireland (80% in Northern Ireland) making it a major factor in the welfare and survival of the Irish hare. It is no coincidence that agriculture has become more intensive during this period of decline in hare numbers. Increasingly mechanised and frequent grass-cutting for silage is widely believed to be directly responsible for the deaths of leverets, hidden in the long grass by their mothers.

Historical data indicate a dramatic decline in hare numbers since the beginning of the 20th century

By adopting ‘hare friendly’ land management practices, farmers and land owners can contribute significantly to hare conservation. These measures help provide a suitable habitat for Irish hares and increase leveret survival.

In Northern Ireland, an ‘Irish hare option’ is now included in the Countryside Management Scheme. Click here to view a summary

More information is available from your local CMS office or DARD website

Source:Temporal trends in the Irish hare population, Reid, 2007

Landowners can also prohibit the shooting and hunting of hares on their land. Any unauthorised or suspicious activity, especially during the hours of darkness, should be reported to the police.

Introduction of mechanised grass cutting