Surveys with binoculars at two different times of day
and in various months of the year, along with camera
trap studies of diel activity patterns, were used to inform
an appropriate period to count mountain hares (Lepus
timidus) on managed red grouse (Lagopus lagopus)
moorland of the Lammermuir Hills, south-east Scotland.
Factors affecting the numbers of hares counted were
time relative to sunrise, the presence of winter coat
colour and reproductive behaviour in spring. Counts of
hares in March and April starting one hour before dawn
were used as an index of population size of the mountain
hare over three years of observations on three hill-tops,
with densities of 23-33 hares km-2. The number of hares
seen was stable or rose slightly over the three years
despite a partial cull on one of the hills. In support of
suitability of the timing of surveys used, camera trap
studies revealed that the period around dawn in March
and April was associated with high levels of hare
activity.
