Distribution of mountain hares in Scotland

• The area surveyed for mountain hares was 71,098 square kilometres (at the 10x10 kilometre level), equivalentto 90% of the total area of Scotland.
• Mountain hares were present on 34,359 square kilometres (48%) of this area and absent from 36,739 square kilometres (52%).
• Mountain hares were found more frequently on estates with driven grouse shooting (found on 64% of area) than on moors with walkedup grouse shooting (9%) and estates with no grouse shooting interest (0%).
• There was no evidence that culling reduced the distribution of mountain hares in Scotland.

In 2007, together with the Macaulay Institute, we were commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage to investigate the current Scottish distribution of mountain hares (a Biodiversity Action Plan species designated in 2007), assess the numbers taken for sport and pest control, and look for patterns of change relative to an earlier survey in 1995/96.

We conducted a postal survey of estate owners, managers and gamekeepers who were our members, contributed to our National Gamebag Census, or who were members of the Scottish Gamekeepers Association, asking them whether mountain hares were present on their estates and numbers culled (if any) in 2006/07. We received additional mountain hare data from other organisations and members of the public.

The total area surveyed was 71,098 square kilometres (based on 10 x 10 kilometre squares), equivalent to 90% of the total area of Scotland. Of this area, mountain hares were present on 34,359 square kilometres (48%) and absent from 36,739 square kilometres (52%, see Figure 1).

The extent of mountain hare distribution within estates was compared to the management of those estates. On average, mountain hares were found over 64% of the area of driven grouse moors, compared with 9% of walked-up grouse estates and 0% of estates with no grouse interest. It is known that mountain hares are associated with heather moorland managed for red grouse, and predator control for grouse is likely to benefit mountain hares too.

We compared the 2006/07 mountain hare distribution to that recorded in the 1995/96 survey which covered 20,936 square kilometres. Mountain hares were consistently present in 59% and consistently absent in 21% of the area in common between the two surveys. Of the remaining area, mountain hares were present on 10% in 1995/96 but not 2006/07, and present on 9% in 2006/07 but not in 1995/96.

This suggests that there has been no net gain or loss in distribution in areas surveyed in both 1995/96 and 2006/07. However, it is not possible to assess whether mountain hare distribution has changed outside this area. In addition, it is not possible to comment on changes in mountain hare abundance during this time.

The main reason for culling mountain hares may have changed over the last 11 years. In 1995/96 the majority (60%) of mountain hares culled were culled for sporting purposes. Now only 40% are culled for sport, with the majority (50%) culled for the purpose of tick control, and only 10% culled to protect trees and crops. The total number of mountain hares reported culled in 2006/07 was 32% more than in 1995/96 over the same area. There was no evidence that this culling is reducing the distribution of mountain hares in Scotland.

We believe that this survey could and should be repeated periodically to check mountain hare distribution. Additionally, measures of abundance are needed to track population changes.

Figure 1. Mountain hare distribution, 2006-2007

	Mountain hares present
	Mountain hares absent
	Not surveyed