THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE ON THE COLOUR CHANGES OF MOUNTAIN HARES IN SCOTLAND

• Published in: Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London
• Main Author: WATSON, ADAM
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 1963
• Subjects: Lepus timidus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1963.tb01629.x; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fj.1469-7998.1963.tb01629.x; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1963.tb01629.x; https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-7998.1963.tb01629.x

The seasonal colour changes of mountain hares ( Lepus timidus ) were studied by standardized field observations in Scotland. The rate of colour change in spring varied according to the climate, being retarded in very cold springs and hastened in mild springs. Hares at high altitudes turned white earlier and more completely than hares at low altitudes, and turned dark later in spring. The colour and moult of different individuals varied greatly. Late‐born young turned white later in autumn than fully grown hares. Climate and light cycle are discussed in relation to these colour changes.