A Callunetum subjected to intensive grazing by mountain hares

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Abstract
A distinctive form of Callunetum with flat, circular bushes, radiating branch structure, and high shoot density, is ascribed to intensive grazing by mountain hares. It occurs locally in small burnt areas at moderate altitudes in north-east Scotland. At the site examined heavy hare usage was recorded over a two- year period, in which cover increased from 59 to 68 per cent, but height only from 5-1 cm to 6-4 cm. Usage by larger herbivores was negligible and exposure only moderate. Almost all shoots were grazed each year, but not all current year's growth was removed, because the hares could turn to other feeding grounds once they had depleted their initial preferred grazing. It is suggested that mountain hares, unlike other herbivores, will graze out Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull only exceptionally, because of their feeding behaviour and the densities at which they normally occur.