BARHASS alarm: 20% more rabbits discovered in Rhineland-Palatinate!

BARHASS alarm: 20% more rabbits discovered in Rhineland-Palatinate!

in Rhineland-Palatinate is a pleasant trend in the porch population. For 2024, the Rhineland-Palatinate State Hunting Association reported a net increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year. These gratifying numbers come from the count in 13 areas, in which the development of the rabbit population was followed. In the spring of 2024, 1,352 rabbits were registered in the reference areas, while in autumn the number increase to 1,481

Average live in Rhineland-Palatinate 23 field hares per square kilometer. The high density in Ludwigshafen is remarkable, where up to 240 rabbits per square kilometer were counted. In contrast, there are about 75 rabbits per square kilometer in Frankenthal. The slightest densities were found in the Rhein-Hunsrück district regions with only 9 and on the southern wine road with 8 rabbits per square kilometer. These figures illustrate the regional differences within the federal state and success in certain areas.

stable inventory despite challenges

Although the existence of the brown hare in Germany with an average value of 19 rabbits per square kilometer remained stable, the increase in Rhineland-Palatinate has been the most remarkable since the beginning of the counts over 20 years ago, such as ak-kurier.de reported. However, experts point out that heavy rain and diseases were added to the animals in 2024. This shows that there are still challenges despite the positive development. 

The data for 2025 are currently being collected, and it remains to be seen to what extent this trend continues. Awareness of the needs of the brown hare is crucial to secure your inventory in the long term. The developments in Rhineland-Palatinate could serve as a model for other regions that pursue similar efforts to maintain and promote their animal populations. The State Hunting Association will continue to observe the situation.