MOUNTAIN HARES are not under threat in the Peak District National Park according to a new study by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Since utilising a new counting methodology developed in Scotland, researchers have found mountain hare numbers to be five times higher than previous estimates.

The new methodology – developed by GWCT in Scotland alongside the James Hutton Institute and NatureScot – which involves counting at night using spot lamps, has been used to great effect in Scotland, and its use on the Peak District population is a first.

The monitoring was undertaken by the Peak District Moorland Group whose members have reported regular mountain hare sightings across 16 estates covering 240 square kilometres within the Dark Peak area of the National Park.

Lead author Dr Nick Hesford of GWCT said: “Preliminary results suggest that the numbers of hares recorded by gamekeepers may be equivalent to a population density of around 52 to 126 mountain hares per km2. This is similar to the densities recently recorded in their core range in Scotland and between two to five times higher than the most recent estimates at other sites in the National Park.

Read more: Return of the mountain hare to Langholm Moor?

“The threats of traffic accidents, isolated populations, disease and climate change remain, but this survey is welcome news for the species," he continued. "Although we only have data from one year of surveys so far, the adoption of this new methodology in the Peak District is a breakthrough for the population, and it is our hope this survey continues to help conservation efforts in the future.”

Peak District Moorland Group coordinator Richard Bailey, who helped arrange the surveys, said: “Mountain hares are predominantly nocturnal animals, so it makes sense that the night time counts are providing more successful and reliable population estimates than day time transects.

“This population of mountain hares has survived thanks to the habitat management and predator control undertaken by gamekeepers in the Dark Peak area. This research confirms that the hard work is still benefitting the species,” he concluded.