As many people reading this blog will know, we used to have a pet rabbit (Anya) so I am particularly happy to see that today has been chosen by the Mammal Society as Rabbit and Hare Thursday.
Although rabbits are a very common sight in Scotland they are not native, they were introduced here by the Romans (though stories vary about exactly when and how they were introduced). They have become naturalised and are an important prey species for many mammals and birds of prey. They seem to be less common at the moment than they were a few years ago, we certainly don't see as many rabbits in and around Edinburgh as we used to.
The brown hare was introduced to the country at about the same time as the rabbit. This means that only the mountain hare is native to the British Isles. This is a beautiful animal but is culled regularly because it conflicts with grouse moor management, this is totally unacceptable and unneccessary. Read more about the appalling mountain hare cull here.
And here's a photo of Anya, resting on her favourite rug - she was a very beautiful rabbit!
6 comments:
As I read about the influence of estate owners and their gamekeepers (aka bird murderers) I wonder at their seemingly disproportionate influence on British life. They seem to be able to flaunt laws designed to protect wildlife with impunity, with only the most trivial fines imposed if they are caught. Perhaps it is because the royal estates are epicentres of this barbarism that little is done.
Very pretty rabbit. Happy Rabbit and Hare Day!
Happy Thursday, enjoy your day!
Hi Juliet,
Anya was a beautiful rabbit.
Lovely that they celebrate the Rabbit and Hare and have a special day for them.
Enjoy your weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
Awww .. fine memories.
I have read about other examples of gamekeepers killing animals to protect their own game; it is appalling and such an inappropriate manipulation of the ecosystem. I hope these gamekeepers can be addressed. Thanks for your recent visit to my blog.
Such a sweet photograph of Anya.
All the best Jan
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