Mammals

DBRC has collected mammal records across Derbyshire for the last thirty years. We are currently processing this data onto computer. We plan to use these pages to bring you distribution maps on a number of these species as the work progresses.

Visit the website of Derbyshire Mammal group for more information.

Click for information on polecats (Mustela putorius)

Click for information on Derby City Hedgehog Survey (Erinaceus europaeus)


	Mountain Hare Lepus timidus

Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus) is related to the Brown Hare, but replaces it on the high moorland plateau of Derbyshire and the Peak District.

Its brown coat turns white in winter. This is a good time to look for mountain hares as they stand out quite clearly. Believing that their camouflage is still effective, they can be easily approached and photographed.

The picture shown here was taken with a 135mm lens on the Derwent Moors near Ladybower Reservoir.


The map data shown here is incomplete as not all historic records for this species have yet been computerised. However, high moorland, dominated by Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilis), and Heather (Calluna vulgaris) is only found in the far north of Derbyshire, and this clearly reflects the distribution of this species.