We urge you to grant the Irish hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) permanent protection by including it on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Order Northern Ireland.

Numbers of the Irish hare, which is endemic to Ireland, have fallen to dangerously low levels. This vulnerable species now exists as a fragmented population and is now locally extinct in many areas.

Irish hares breed throughout the year and any activity including hunting, beagling and coursing poses a real threat to local populations and the future of the species as a whole.

We believe that the Precautionary Principle should be applied and granting permanent protection will underpin wider conservation strategies.

The Temporary Protection Orders granted since 2003 show that permanent protection can only be a positive contribution to species conservation.

The current review of the Wildlife Order presents a historic opportunity to act now to ensure the survival of this unique animal for future generations.