Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hare Population and Welfare

Brown hare populations have declined significantly in the UK with agricultural intensification, raising welfare concerns for leverets and adults exposed to farming operations.

Key Facts

Brown hare populations declined by 80% between 1960 and 1990 in the UK
Leverets are born above ground and vulnerable to mechanical harvesting operations
Speed of up to 70km/h makes hares vulnerable to road traffic despite evasion ability
Coursing and hare shoots raise welfare concerns requiring regulation
Agri-environment schemes providing grass margins and reduced pesticide use benefit hare populations

Welfare Considerations

Brown hare leverets face particular vulnerability to agricultural machinery during harvesting operations, with direct mortality representing a welfare and conservation concern. Population recovery requires agricultural practices that account for hare biology and seasonal breeding.

What You Can Do

Support agri-environment schemes that include brown hare habitat requirements
Advocate for pre-mow checks for leverets in agricultural areas during breeding season
Report hare populations to the Big Hare Count to support population monitoring