Wildlife

Wild Brown Hare Population Decline and Welfare

The brown hare has declined by 80% in the UK since the 1960s, with agricultural intensification as the primary driver.

Key Facts

Brown hare numbers have declined from an estimated 4 million to under 800,000 in the UK
Leverets (young hares) have no burrow and rely entirely on camouflage for survival
March hare boxing behaviour is females repelling unwanted male advances, not males competing
Hares are significant game species with an estimated 1 million shot annually in the UK
Set-aside agricultural land supporting tall grass and wildflowers is critical hare habitat

Welfare Considerations

Hare leverets face high predation and exposure mortality in intensively managed grassland where early cutting destroys cover. Wounded hares from shooting have slower fleeing ability and prolonged suffering. Population recovery requires both habitat provision and responsible game management.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that provide hare-friendly habitat on farmland
Advocate for a close season for hare shooting to protect breeding females
Report hare population declines or illegal killing to relevant wildlife organisations
Create garden and field margin habitat with long grass and minimal disturbance