Discovering Urban Hedgehogs: Innovative Techniques Employed by UK Researchers to Monitor Hedgehog Populations

Discovering Urban Hedgehogs: Innovative Techniques Employed by UK Researchers to Monitor Hedgehog Populations

The Alarming Decline of Hedgehogs in the UK

Hedgehogs, once a common sight in British gardens and countryside, are now facing a critical threat to their survival. The UK has witnessed a dramatic decline in hedgehog numbers over the past few decades. According to the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report, the native hedgehog population has dropped by between 30-75% in rural areas since the year 2000. This decline is attributed to several key factors, including habitat loss and fragmentation, declines in invertebrate prey, road traffic, and more intensive farming practices.

The National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy

In response to this alarming decline, a coalition of over 30 diverse organisations, led by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), has developed the first-ever National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy. Launched on October 14, 2024, this strategy is the result of two years of cross-sector collaboration and aims to provide national guidance on addressing the key threats to hedgehogs.

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Nida Al-Fulaij, co-author of the strategy and CEO of PTES, emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts: “By identifying the key threats hedgehogs are facing and how they are all connected, we can better understand the actions needed to address them; but we can’t do this alone. The strategy acts as a framework for collaboration between policymakers, conservationists, landowners, rehabilitators, and communities.”

Innovative Monitoring Techniques

A crucial component of the National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy is the implementation of innovative monitoring techniques to track hedgehog populations. Here are some of the methods being employed:

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Citizen Science and Hedgehog Monitoring Programmes

The BHPS and PTES have launched the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme, which relies heavily on citizen science. This programme encourages the public to report hedgehog sightings and contribute to the collection of data on population changes at both local and national levels. This approach not only engages the community but also provides valuable insights into hedgehog behavior and population dynamics.

Hedgehog Highways and Garden Modifications

One of the simplest yet effective ways to help hedgehogs is by creating “Hedgehog Highways” – small holes in garden fences that allow hedgehogs to move freely between green spaces. Helen Bostock, RHS Senior Wildlife Expert, notes: “Gardeners are a big group that can make a big difference. Hedgehog numbers in urban areas are starting to stabilise, showing that people are making efforts around allowing freedom of movement, putting out food, and providing natural food sources through the ways they manage their gardens.”

Key Actions to Help Hedgehogs

Here are some practical steps that individuals can take to help hedgehogs:

• Create Hedgehog Highways: Make 13cm x 13cm square holes in or under garden fences to connect neighbouring gardens.
• Provide Food and Water: Offer hedgehog-friendly food such as mealworms or sunflower hearts, and ensure a source of fresh water.
• Maintain Hedgehog-Friendly Gardens: Avoid using pesticides, which can harm hedgehogs and their prey. Instead, create a diverse garden with native plants that attract insects.
• Support Local Conservation Efforts: Join local wildlife groups or participate in citizen science projects to contribute to hedgehog conservation.

Urban vs. Rural Hedgehog Populations

While rural hedgehog populations continue to decline, there is a glimmer of hope in urban areas. Grace Johnson, Hedgehog Officer for Hedgehog Street, a campaign between PTES and BHPS, notes: “Encouragingly, the State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022 report indicated that, while rural hedgehog populations are still in decline, hedgehogs in urban areas may be starting to recover, likely thanks to our amazing Hedgehog Champions and the wider public who have made their gardens and local green spaces hedgehog havens.”

The Role of Universities and Research Institutions

Universities and research institutions play a vital role in hedgehog conservation by conducting in-depth research and providing scientific evidence to support conservation efforts. For instance, academic collaborations can help in understanding the impact of urban development, agricultural practices, and road traffic on hedgehog populations.

International Perspectives and Comparisons

The decline of hedgehogs is not unique to the UK; the European hedgehog has recently been listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to similar threats such as urban development, agricultural expansion, and road traffic.

Here is a comparative table highlighting some of the key threats and conservation efforts for hedgehogs in different regions:

Community Engagement and Public Awareness

Community engagement is crucial for the success of hedgehog conservation efforts. Here are some ways the public can get involved:

• Join Local Wildlife Groups: Participate in local wildlife trusts and conservation societies to contribute to hedgehog conservation.
• Participate in Citizen Science: Report hedgehog sightings and contribute to data collection through programmes like the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme.
• Create Hedgehog-Friendly Gardens: Modify your garden to make it more welcoming for hedgehogs by providing food, water, and safe passage. and Future Outlook

The launch of the National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy marks a significant step forward in the efforts to save this beloved species. By combining innovative research techniques, community engagement, and practical conservation actions, there is hope for stabilizing and eventually increasing hedgehog populations in the UK.

As Helen Bostock notes, “With the strategy in place, we may start to see differences as the long-term behavioural changes start to take effect – such as more signage, hedgehog-friendly towns and villages, and more.”

The journey to protect hedgehogs is ongoing, and every individual can play a role in helping these iconic creatures thrive once again in our urban and rural landscapes. By working together, we can ensure that hedgehogs remain a common sight in Britain for generations to come.