Germany’s Field Hare Population Stable, But Regional Challenges Persist

Spring 2024 counts show a 20-year high in average density, yet adverse weather and habitat loss hinder growth in key regions like Brandenburg.

Germany's field hare population held steady at 19 hares per square kilometer in spring 2024, the highest average density recorded in over two decades.
Brandenburg continues to face significant challenges with only 6 hares per square kilometer, far below the national average.
Adverse weather in 2024, including heavy rains, negatively impacted young hares by compromising their insulation and increasing mortality risks.
Disease outbreaks, such as Myxomatosis, further strained hare populations, particularly in regions already under environmental stress.
Experts emphasize the need for conservation efforts, including habitat restoration through flowering strips and uncultivated areas, to support long-term population recovery and biodiversity.