Mountain Hare
Introduction
The Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus), also known as the blue hare, tundra hare, variable hare, white hare, snow hare, alpine hare, and Irish hare, is a Palearctic hare that is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats.
Description
The mountain hare is a large species, though it is slightly smaller than the European hare. It grows to a length of 45–65 cm (18–26 in), with a tail of 4–8 cm (1.6–3.1 in), and a mass of 2–5.3 kg (4.4–11.7 lb), females being slightly heavier than males. In summer, for all populations of mountain hares, the coat is various shades of brown. In preparation for winter most populations moult into a white (or largely white) pelage. The tail remains completely white all year round, distinguishing the mountain hare from the European hare, which has a black upper side to the tail.
Distribution and Habitat
The mountain hare is native to the British Isles, northern Scandinavia, Russia, Siberia, Poland, Finland, Ireland and Japan. In the Alps, the mountain hare lives at elevations from 700 to 3800 metres, depending on the biotic and abiotic conditions.
Behaviour and Ecology
Mountain hares are primarily solitary and nocturnal, they are active at dusk and dawn, with most activity taking place during the night. They are very adept swimmers, often resorting to water to evade predators such as red foxes or golden eagles.
Reproduction
Mountain hares breed from January to September, with a peak in the spring. A female mountain hare can have up to three litters a year, with one to four young per litter. The gestation period is 50 to 54 days.
Conservation Status
The mountain hare is currently classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. However, in some areas, such as in Scotland, populations are in decline due to land use changes, predation, and climate change.