Question reference: S5W-34988
- Asked by: Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 4 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Roseanna Cunningham on 12 February 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what impact the prohibition of culling of mountain hares could have on the operation of licensed falconry on land with a significant hare population, and what consultation it had with operators before it introduced the prohibition.
Answer
From 1 March 2021, in order for NatureScot to consider granting a licence that includes falconry as a method of taking mountain hares an applicant will need to demonstrate that it is for a licensable purpose under Section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. An example would be to prevent serious damage to timber or agriculture or for the conservation of natural habitats.
NatureScot has engaged with land management, conservation and welfare bodies, including representatives of the Scottish Hawk Board and other operators, to help develop their approach to the licensing regime for the culling of mountain hares.