To protect Scotland’s mountain hare population it is clear we must protect their habitat – the sort of heather moorland best managed and maintained by grouse moors. It’s sad that the emotional decision to give mountain hares in Scotland year-round legal protection will do so little to stem the loss of their habitat or improve their conservation status.
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust nevertheless recognises the commitment of the Minister for Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment to consult on the development of a licencing framework which would allow for management to address damage to habitat, growing trees and for disease management purposes. The GWCT is committed to working with the Scottish Government to that end.