Irish_hare

<i>Lepus timidus hibernicus</i>

Lepus timidus hibernicus

Subspecies of mammal

Quick Facts Lepus timidus hibernicus, Scientific classification ...

Lepus timidus hibernicus, more commonly known as the Irish Hare, is a subspecies of the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) that is native to the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland. It is the only species of hare found only in Ireland and is known for its distinctive appearance and behaviour.[1]

Description and habit

The Irish hare is similar in appearance to other mountain hare subspecies but tends to have a slightly darker coat, especially during the winter months. It has long hind legs, large ears, and a white underside. The coat coloration can vary from brown to grey, with white fur on the belly.[2][3]

They are typically found in upland and lowland habitats across Ireland, including grasslands, heathlands, and agricultural areas. They prefer open areas with plenty of vegetation for cover and food.[4]

It is listed as a protected species under the Games Acts and Schedule 6 of the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.[5] It is also listed on Appendix III of the Berne Convention (Anon, 1979)[6] and Annex V(a) of the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)[7]

References

  1. [1]
    Karina Dingerkus. "Irish hare – The Vincent Wildlife Trust". Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  2. [2]
    "Lepus timidus hibernicus Irish Hare :: Northern Ireland's Priority Species ::". www.habitas.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  3. [3]
    "Species Profile Browser · Species Profile". species.biodiversityireland.ie. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  4. [4]
    Ball, Samantha; Kelly, Thomas C.; Butler, Fidelma (December 2020). "Endoparasites of the endemic Irish hare Lepus timidus hibernicus". Wildlife Biology. 2020 (3): 1–5. doi:10.2981/wlb.00717. ISSN 1903-220X.
  5. [5]
    "Conservation ecology of the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus)".
  6. [6]
    Council of Europe, 1979. Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Heritage. Bern, Switzerland. Available at: http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty/EN/Treaties/Html/104.htm
  7. [7]
    "Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992". Eur-lex.europa.eu. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
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