Peatland wildlife
Irish
hare
(Lepus timidus hibernicus) |
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Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)
Description
The Irish hare only occurs in Ireland – it is a sub-species
of the mountain hare which occurs in the rest of the UK. The
Irish hare is a native species with a russet brown coat, long
ears with black tips and eyes set high in the head, which gives
it a wide field of view for evading predators. Irish hares occur
in a wide range of habitats, including lowland raised bogs,
blanket bog, grasslands and sand dunes.
Behaviour
The animals have long powerful back legs that help them reach
speeds of up to 30mph and jump heights of around 2m. They feed
mainly on a variety of grasses but sedges, Heather, Wild Thyme,
Bilberry and even the shoots of young trees may also play an
important part in their diet, depending on the habitat. Hares
do not live in a burrow underground, but shelter in a hollow
depression above ground known as a form.
Breeding
Courtship and mating takes place from late winter through to
early summer with the characteristic 'mad' chasing, leaping
and boxing behaviour which accompanies it. Hares can reproduce
two or three times a year. The 2-5 young hares, or leverets,
are furred and have open eyes at birth, and wean for about four
weeks. Although 75% of them may die in the first year, life
expectancy after this is up to nine years.
Status and protection
Local
Historically the Irish hare was widespread and common throughout
Ireland, though populations have undergone a substantial decline
in the last 10-20 years. Population levels may have fallen to
critical levels in some areas. The Irish hare is listed on Schedule
6 of the Wildlife Order, which means they may not be killed
or taken by certain methods. The Irish hare is a Priority Species
for conservation and a Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced
to ensure its future conservation in Northern Ireland.
Traditionally the Irish hare was regarded as a game species
and could be shot or hunted with dogs during the open season
from 12 August to 31 January. Due to concerns about the low
numbers of Irish hares, on January 19th 2004 the Minister of
the Environment introduced a 12-month ban on the killing, taking,
sale or purchase of Irish hares.
European
The Irish hare is listed in Annex
V of the Habitats Directive and Appendix
III of the Bern Convention.
