Richard Collins: Hyper-vigilant hares have almost all-round vision

We know what hares lived here even 28,000 years ago — but they seem to have disappeared from Dublin's Phoenix Park

Irish hare — the main threats to this creature are dogs, human disturbance and vehicles. Picture: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

The remains of a long dead hare were found in County Waterford. DNA analysis showed that the animal had lived about 28,000 years ago.

Hares managed to survive here when many other creatures went to the wall. They have been so successful that a uniquely Irish species has evolved. Their defensive strategy has paid off.