Hillwalkers in Scotland are being asked to keep an eye out for evidence of culling of mountain hares and report back to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Mountain hares can be shot for sport and they are also culled as part of the management of grouse moors. However SNH has called for estates to excercise “voluntary restraint” because of concerns that the number of hares is declining. SNH would now like to collect evidence from walkers who may come across large numbers of hare bodies or other indications of large-scale culling.
The mountain hare, also known as the blue hare, is Britain’s only native hare. It is culled because the hares carry sheep ticks which can infect grouse with a virus which can weaken and kill the birds. Heather moorland provides the best habitat for mountain hares. Recent attempts to effectively monitor the number of mountain hares has been hampered by bad weather and SNH is currently planning a further study to assess the status of the species.
In the meantime SNH has developed a joint position statement with Scottish Land & Estates and the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and is also asking hillwalkers to contribute evidence to build up a picture of culling. The statement argues that large scale culls of mountain hares to reduce tick loads (and thus to benefit grouse survival) are only effective when other tick-carrying animals are removed as well, or where they are absent. SNH says the intention is to work with estates to put in place effective and sustainable management of mountain hares.
Walkers are asked to email SNH at SNH_CUSTOMER_RELATIONS@snh.gov.uk.