The Irish Hare
Credit: Mike Rendle
The Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus was previously thought to have evolved from a population of mountain hares which became cut off in Ireland at the end of the Ice age 10,000 BP. New research by the Quercus project shows the Irish hare has in fact been established for much longer.
Carbon dating of cave fossils has shown that hares were present in Ireland as far back as 14,000 and 30,000 BP. The most recent Ice age started 78,000 BP and reached its maximum 20,000 BP. But whereas at the maximum extent of glaciation most of NW Europe was covered by ice, an ice free tundra-like landscape covered the southern part of Ireland from Kerry to Waterford. Also, around 18,000 BP the sea level was about 140 metres lower than at present. The area now covered by the Celtic Sea and English Channel would have consisted of relatively ice-free dry land. These areas appear to have offered a refuge for the Irish hare in which it was able to survive. Following the retreat of the ice, animal species which have survived in such refuges often show a sudden increase in population size and an increased level of genetic diversity. In the case of the Irish hare, a higher level of genetic divergence should be observed in relation to mountain hares outside of Ireland.
The Irish hare's unique morphology, ecology and behaviour as compared to other mountain hares seem to be the result of genetic adaption over a period of at least 30,000 to 60,000 years. Had the theory of a more recent origin of the Irish hare been correct then relatively little genetic difference between it and the mountain hare would be expected. But the Quercus research has shown the Irish hare possesses a high number of unique genetic characters that are not shared by any other hare species outside of Ireland. This suggests the current Irish hare population could be the only remaining descendents of an older genetic lineage that was probably common in Europe prior to the last Ice age. So although the Irish hare is currently classified as a sub-species of the mountain hare there is now much evidence that it should be given species status in its own right.
The Irish hare is about the same size as the mountain hare. The coat is russet brown and does not change to white in winter although it can become lighter and greyer. There are two moults and the coat can vary throughout the year, developing white patches. Rarely, some all white specimens have been known and gained a place in folklore. As with the mountain hare, the black tipped ears are smaller than the brown hare's and would not reach the tip of the nose if pulled forward. Both surfaces of the tail are normally white but there can be exceptions.
Irish hares can be found from hill-top to sea-shore and there are reports of them grazing on sea-weed. However, they are most likely to be found in "unimproved" areas of species rich vegetation and tall plants such as rushes. This provides not only food but also cover and shelter where they can lie up during the day, out of sight of predators.
Irish hares appear to be relatively solitary animals for most of the year with a limited range. Studies have produced figures of between 10 and 40 hectares as the Irish hare's typical range. Although not highly social, Irish hares exist as local populations, some of which have now become extinct.
Irish hares breed throughout most of the year, with leverets recorded from January through to November. With a gestation period of 52 days and a lactation of around 6 weeks, this means that females (does or jills) may be in an active breeding phase at any time. Irish hares are thought to have up to four litters a year of between one and four leverets, the average being two. 75% of the leverets are unlikely to survive their first year of life. Like the brown hare Irish hares do not breed in their first year.
Irish hares are in serious decline owing to changed farming practices and patterns of land use, but their persecution for sport has also had a major impact. The Ulster Wildlife Trust has warned that hare hunting and coursing: "may prove to be the final straw for some of the more isolated populations." In an article on 23 May 2005, the Irish Independent placed the Irish hare alongside the corncrake and the marsh fritillary butterfly as species under severe threat in Ireland. In Northern Ireland a Special Protection Order was in force until 31 March 2008 banning the killing, taking, sale or purchase of Irish hares. Such protection will continue to be necessary until there is greater assurance about the stability and sustainability of the population.
Credit: Mike Rendle
Irish hares are well know for their liking for airports and there was a large colony at Aldegrove, near Belfast during the 1960s. Passengers were regularly entertained by the hares chasing aircraft down the run-way as they took off. The hares appear to enjoy the noise and vibration. The 18th century poet, William Cowper, who kept tame brown hares also observed that they appeared to enjoy thunderstorms.
Brown hares were introduced to Ireland by landowners in the 19th century. These appear to have survived in local populations in the North of Ireland, but in such small numbers as to make them extremely rare. There is no evidence to suggest that brown hares threaten Irish hares in terms of food or habitat or that they interbreed.