
One of the most overlooked animals across Europe, due to its timid nature and ability to hide itself, the Hare actually has many interesting attributes. It can run up to 80 kilometers per hour when escaping predators, which it can sense with its almost 360 degree vision and high sensitivity to ground vibrations. The males also stage boxing matches in the early spring to win over females.
It is a very important species in the Hartibaciu Valley, as it is prey to a huge number of animals and makes up a significant portion of the diet of many protected species from birds of prey to wolves. The fluctuation of hare populations has been closely tied to the population of lynx, as it makes up a considerable portion of their diet, especially in more open, agricultural areas such as the Hartibaciu Valley. Their high reproductivity and size make them a popular item on the menu.
Unfortunately, it is now a rare sight in Western Europe to see mad, March Hares fighting each other in the fields. The intensification of agriculture and the fragmentation of the landscape make life difficult for the Hare. Where large monoculture fields are harvested in a matter of hours, there are no more hiding places for the Hare. Heavy agricultural machinery, pesticides and road traffic also take their toll on the hare. In order to preserve the hare and protect the many animals that depend on it, it is important to preserve the landscape mosaic, marginal strips, the fallow land and extensive small-scale agriculture.