Worrying news for our hedgehogs

 

The conservation status of the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has been updated from Least Concern to Near Threatened in the latest release of the IUCN Red List. Monitoring efforts indicate that their decline may exceed 30% over the past decade, putting the species at serious risk. 

“Unfortunately, evidence points towrds a worrying and widespread downward trend (..) There is still a chance to halt the decline of the Western European hedgehog, and we must aim to prevent any further worsening of status,” explained Abi Gazzard, Programme Officer at IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist Group member (follow @iucnsmsg).

Once abundant across Europe, the West European hedgehog now faces a rapidly shrinking population. Urban development, agricultural expansion and road infrastructure have fragmented the hedgehog’s habitat, while vehicle collisions, the use of pesticides, and poorly managed gardens continue to reduce their numbers.

“This decline will likely come as no surprise to the average person. When hedgehogs come up in conversation, it’s not long before someone says that they just don’t see them anymore,” said Hope Nothhelfer, Communications Officer at the Mammal Society.  We are calling on the public to contribute to hedgehog monitoring efforts by recording sightings through the Mammal Mapper app, and by joining forces with other nature champions through a local mammal groups. Collecting this data will help inform conservation strategies and focus protective measures in critical areas.