Springtime Births: Stable Population of Field Hares, Yet Challenges Ahead in 2024

As Easter approaches, the time for young field hares to be born is upon us. Recent surveys indicate that their population in Germany has remained stable. However, the species and its habitat face significant challenges due to various factors.

The latest count reveals that an average of 19 field hares per square kilometer were recorded last spring, matching the figures from 2023, according to the German Hunting Association (DJV). This represents the highest count since monitoring began over two decades ago. Nevertheless, experts warn that the upcoming year, 2024, may pose difficulties for the hares due to adverse weather conditions and health issues.

The current dry spell provides favorable conditions for the field hares, which are naturally inclined to thrive in such environments. According to the DJV, the hares benefit from the dry weather, as their fur, which is well-insulated, can maintain body heat effectively. If their fur becomes wet, it loses its insulating properties, leading to a risk of hypothermia, especially since field hares do not have burrows like rabbits for protection.

Experts express concern that the ongoing dry conditions could extend longer than anticipated. A repeat of the extreme drought experienced in 2018 could lead to a shortage of grasses and herbs, which are vital food sources for the hares. If these resources diminish, it could severely impact both young and adult hares.

To assess the hare population, hunters across 426 selected areas conducted nighttime surveys using standard spotlights to count the visible hares in fields. The findings show significant regional variations in hare density across Germany. The northwestern plains, from the Danish border to northern Rhineland, reported the highest average of 28 hares per square kilometer, while the northeastern plains had a mere 7 hares.

Despite the positive figures, experts caution that these numbers should not overshadow the long-term trends indicating a decline in hare populations since the 1960s and 1970s. The reduction in habitat due to intensified agricultural practices has been a significant contributing factor to this decline, leading to the field hare being classified as a threatened species.

While hunting remains a management tool for hare populations, some hunters voluntarily abstain from hunting in specific areas to support population recovery. However, there is mounting concern regarding the growth rate of the hare population, which has decreased from 15% in 2023 to only 8% in the current year. Unfavorable weather, including heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in southern Germany during the summer of 2024, has adversely affected growth rates.

Disease also poses a risk to the field hare population. Conditions such as myxomatosis, a viral infection typically affecting rabbits, have been observed in hares, further complicating their recovery. Experts suggest that these health challenges may lead to a continued decline in population growth this spring.

Nonetheless, the likelihood of complete extinction for field hares remains low, although local populations could face extinction without careful consideration of agricultural practices. Field hares serve as indicators for biodiversity; their well-being often reflects the health of other species in their ecosystem. Thus, enhancing habitats for these hares is essential for maintaining broader ecological balance.

To improve conditions, experts advocate for increased areas of fallow land, hedgerows, and flowering strips to provide essential habitats and food sources for field hares throughout the year. This would require a shift in agricultural land use, prioritizing environmental and climate protection measures, which can be incentivized through EU agricultural policies.

Collaboration between hunters and farmers is crucial to ensure the sustainability of field hare populations and biodiversity overall. Improved habitat management strategies are necessary for the long-term viability of these iconic animals.