New data published by the EU (in an Article 17 report under the Habitats Directive) has revealed Scotland’s mountain hare (Lepus timidus) populations have experienced a major decline in the last few years. This has resulted in the status of the mountain hare being downgraded to “unfavourable”. The report (here) identifies the primary cause of this decline as being due to hunting and land management. Mountain hares are routinely culled on a large scale on many grouse moors. This is a relatively recent practice which is carried out in the belief that it provides some protection to red grouse against louping ill virus. This virus is tick-borne and it is hoped that by dramatically reducing the numbers of mountain hare incidences of the virus will also be reduced. This is intended to keep red grouse in good health and so increase the number that are available for shooting. There is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim.

Mountain hares are a “protected species” in Scotland and there is a “closed season” during which they may not be killed without a licence. In Scotland the “closed season” currently runs from the 1st of March to the 31st of July. This means that outwith that period mountain hare can be killed with complete impunity and without any official records being kept. In spite of the EU report and the concerns of conservationists this killing can take place perfectly legally now, today.

Scotland has its own government which has the power to stop this killing right now. Please email Roseanna Cunningham the Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform at cabsececclr@gov.scot and ask her what plans she has to put an immediate stop to the unlicensed killing of mountain hares whilst awaiting the grouse moor management review chaired by Professor Alan Werrity.

The First Minister recently declared a “Climate Emergency” with a series of actions to be taken over future years to reduce Scotland’s emissions. This is an Environmental Emergency and one that can be easily brought under control at the stroke of a pen. So let’s see some action now and not fine words about forthcoming reviews. No more kicking the ball into the long grass.