Brown hare
8 February 2010
The brown hare can be found throughout England, but is most common in the open arable landscapes of Eastern England. Surveys have shown that the population has declined substantially in recent decades, probably as a result of changes to farming practices, though, thankfully, it has been more stable recently.
(c) istockphoto.com/Mark Leeman
Latin name: Lepus europaeus
Population numbers: No accurate figures exist although it is estimated that there are about half a million brown hares in England.
Where to see and when: Brown hares are nocturnal and spend the majority of the day in grassland depressions known as forms, venturing out at night to feed. Hares are widespread across England outside of urban areas, with breeding occurring between February and September. ‘Boxing’ hares, where females are fending off amorous males, are easiest to see during the spring.
What’s being done: Conservationists are undertaking detailed studies of the species to understand what the problems are and improve conservation programmes. Hare numbers are monitored and Environmental Stewardship is helping farmers to provide the habitat features and landscape diversity that benefits hares.
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