Further to the Scottish Natural Heritage report, Developing a counting methodology for mountain hares (Lepus timidus) in Scotland, whether …

The
standardised national counting method has been rolled out on 60 estates with
grouse moors in the central and eastern Highlands and in the Lammermuir
Hills. This followed 8 training sessions organised by the Game &
Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). Counts have been received by GWCT from two-thirds
of these estates so far.
In
order to obtain good coverage of the main areas managed for driven grouse
shooting, the GWCT estimates that training for another 14
- 16 estates is
required.
In
addition, SNH has undertaken training of staff responsible for the management
of upland National Nature Reserves in the Central Highlands. Although none of
these are managed as grouse moors, it is important to undertake counts in other
habitats used by mountain hares, albeit at lower population density, in order
to provide information on the wider hare population as well as the population
present on grouse moors.
SNH
will continue to work with estates and partners to develop ways to share
results to ensure robust data analysis and reporting.