Irish hare population is not “endangered”

I WAS surprised at the level of disinformation contained in John Fitzgerald’s letter headlined ‘Irish hare is an endangered species’ (June 12).

Most of his statements are in direct conflict with the current studies of hares in Ireland.

The Irish hare, lepus timidus hibernicus, is recognised as a sub-species genetically distinct from the Scottish mountain hare and more closely related to mainland European populations of lepus timidus (Hamill, 2001).

It is for this reason it is included in Ireland’s red data book.

He states that hare density is uniform throughout Ireland, but studies by Dingerkus and Montgomery (2002) showed that while hares were widespread north of the border, they occurred in low density.

There have been four population surveys of northern hares since 1994. The first — a daytime survey — estimated the population at 8,250. Ten years later, the population was estimated to have increased up to 86,900 (David Tosh et al, spring ‘04). Despite this tenfold increase, the then Northern Ireland environment minister decided to ban all hare hunting.

Repeating his survey methods in 2005, Tosh found that after a year when there was no hunting, numbers dropped by about 20,000 for the first time in 10 years. The facts suggest a strong link between hunting and a healthy population of wildlife. Maybe that’s why Mr Fitzgerald and his fellow-campaigners won’t share them with the public.

Bryan Long

Riverstown Foot Beagles

Caherlag

Glanmire

Co Cork