Species Focus - Hares and Rabbits

Rabbits and brown hares are both introduced non-native species that are a valuable part of our now extremely degraded biodiversity. Rabbits were brought to the British Isles by the Normans around 900 years ago and the brown hare by the Romans (also possibly in the Iron Age). Mountain hares are native to the Highlands of Scotland, but there has been one sighting recorded in North Wales within the last few years, which has not been verified. This was at Esclusham Mountain so further observations here would be useful. Photographic or other evidence is vital to confirm the presence of this species, which is not known to occur in Wales.

Brown hares are easy to distinguish from rabbits, due to their much taller stance, longer legs and longer black-tipped ears. Unlike rabbits, they give birth to fully furred young (leverets) in a depression above ground called a 'form', where the young will be left for long periods while their mother goes off to feed. Soon the 'Mad March Hares' will be seen 'boxing'. Males will chase females, and females that want to dissuade a male will turn and 'box' with them if they don't wish to mate.

In North Wales brown hares are generally found in the uplands, preferring open areas with longer grass, and suitable farmland habitat. Rabbits are generally found in lowland areas, although there is considerable overlap. Brown hares are apparently absent from some suitable areas and there are only a few places where they have been recorded over the past two years, as shown on the map below (red dots). Further records would be useful to get a better picture of their current distribution. Rabbits have apparently declined in some areas of the UK, so records of these in North Wales would also be welcome. Please submit your records, ideally with photos, to the Cofnod ORS or the LERC Wales App.