The Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a fascinating mammal that has captured the hearts of many in the UK. These small, spiney mammals are known for their unique appearance and often iconic antics.
Hedgehogs in the UK are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means that it is illegal to harm or disturb hedgehogs, their nests, or their young. However, despite their popularity, hedgehogs in the UK face a number of challenges that threaten their survival. Recently hedgehogs made their way onto the IUCN Red List as "near-threatened". This status was awarded as hedgehog populations have suffered a near 30% decline in the past decade.
Habitat Loss
One of the most pressing issues facing hedgehogs in the UK is the loss of their natural habitat; including woodland, farmland, parks and gardens. As the development of green spaces continues and urban areas expand, hedgehogs are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable habitats to call home. This loss of habitat is forcing many hedgehogs to expand their territory, putting them at greater risk of death or injury on our roads.
Food Availability
Another contributing factor to the decline of hedgehogs in the UK is changes in their diet. Hedgehogs are omnivores, which means they eat a variety of foods including insects, worms, slugs, and berries. However, changes in land management practices and use of pesticides has led to a decrease in the availability of these foods, making it difficult for hedgehogs to find enough to eat.
Climate Change
Hedgehogs hibernate during the winter months to conserve energy and survive the cold temperatures. A hibernating hedgehog will shut down all non-essential bodily functions to conserve as much energy as possible. However, changes in weather patterns and temperatures are causing hedgehogs to hibernate later and later in the year. This forces them to use vital energy sources to forage when the food simply isn't available, putting them at risk of starvation and death.
Protecting Hedgehogs and what you can do
Hope is not lost for the hedgehog. Efforts are being made to protect hedgehogs in the UK and ensure their survival for future generations. Conservation groups and wildlife organizations, such as ours, are working to raise awareness about the threats facing hedgehogs and to implement measures to protect their habitats and food sources.
One of the key ways that individuals can help hedgehogs in the UK is by creating hedgehog-friendly gardens. This includes providing access to food and water, creating sheltered areas for nesting and hibernation, creating hedgehog highways for easy access and ensuring that gardens are free from hazards such as pesticides and litter. By making small changes to our gardens, we can help to create a safe and welcoming environment for hedgehogs to thrive.
