Statement: Mountain Hare Cull

Statement: Mountain Hare Cull
Our statement in response to the mountain hare cull which was reported in the media at the weekend.
Hamish Trench, Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience said “CNPA has previously set out concerns about the balance of moorland species and habitat management and the need for better data on mountain hare populations is part of this. Observation suggests there is a good population of mountain hares in the Cairngorms and the managed moorlands provide a good habitat for them. We back the current research project which is working with estates in the National Park to establish better counts.
“In this case we understand the hare cull was part of a planned annual management cull. We recognise the public concern about the scale of culls and this emphasises the need for good information on populations and restraint in line with SNH’s advice in the meantime. In particular we expect moorland managers to ensure any culls do not threaten the conservation status of mountain hares.”
Alert
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Pulling together in wake of wildfires
An update from Park Authority Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir on collective efforts to tackle wildfires in the National Park going forward.
The Moorland Indicators of Climate Change Initiative
Update on wildfire situation
Convener Sandy Bremner and Chief Executive Grant Moir have given an update on the ongoing wildfire situation.
Relevant alerts
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There is an extreme risk of wildfire impacting the National Park from Friday 11 July until Monday 14 July.
- Do not light any fire or barbeque
- Always ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
- Enjoy the outdoors responsibly - most wildfires are caused by human activity
- Stay alert - with dry vegetation and warm weather, fires can start easily, spread rapidly, and burn intensely
- If you see a wildfire, dial 999
For updates, visit the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service website.