Agri-environment schemes do not support Brown Hare populations due to inadequate scheme application

The goal of many agri-environment schemes (AES) is to increase biodiversity in agroecosystems. AES effects are often measured on invertebrates and birds; mammals as indicator species infrequently targets such researches. Our was evaluate the local-scale Hungarian Agri-Environmental Measures (AEM) European brown hare (Lepus europaeus), which shows decreasing population trends across Europe. We compared abundances their dropping numbers AEM control agricultural arable grassland fields 17 game management units two seasons. also examined quality based margin width vegetation cover. found that higher than fields. Control grasslands had grasslands. a significant difference counts between spring but no autumn. densities did not differ any season, treatment category or agroecosystem type. conclude program (2009-2014) Hungary effective for hare, this might have been caused by inadequate weak application practices. provide recommendations future programs enhance biodiversity.