Monte Brione Hare Population Recovery: Conservation Efforts and Management

The colony of hares hypothesized by the provincial wildlife service on the 60 hectares of Monte Brione, which are adjacent to the protected area but not included within the biotope, may reach 25-30 individuals.

The times of a massive presence of hares along the slopes of Monte Brione have definitively passed: just as the taste of hare with turnip greens, accompanied by polenta, remains within childhood memories.

More than hunters, more than foxes and martens (the former especially very common), it has been the environmental change on the slopes and at the foot of Brione that has led to their near-total disappearance.

The abandonment of large areas once cultivated, progressive reforestation, the disappearance of grassy clearings, the construction of buildings in the piedmont area, and the increasing invasion of trails (currently no restrictions prevent bikers from transiting) are the factors responsible for the hare’s disappearance.

Environmental recovery interventions and the role of landowners

The core of the intervention proposed by the province involves an environmental adjustment aimed at recreating positive conditions: any introduction of foreign subjects (Polish or Sardinian hares) is excluded as they are genetically incompatible.

The province proposes to rebuild hedgerows of roseaceae, sow small plots of cereals or legumes, and recover grassy areas.

The cooperation of the landowners involved in the experiment is essential. Before giving final approval, landowners have received assurances from provincial wildlife technicians regarding future management of the area: particularly, that nothing and no one will in any way hinder the cultivation of olives, which remains the primary activity on the southern part of the mountain.

Monitoring and population management

The “invasions” will be reduced to two annual censuses, in November and at the end of winter, to monitor the settlement’s size: at night, a Jeep with headlights on will follow predefined tracks to count the animals grazing.

Catches (intended for reintroduction) will be made, in a few years, using nets in which the hares are driven until trapped.

Finally, the construction of a mandatory route for bikers is planned, with transit prohibited on the rest of the mountain.