Hedgehogs 'Near Threatened' on Red List After 30% Decline Over Past Decade

Urgent action is needed to protect hedgehogs as they move a step closer to extinction. Driven by habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and at-risk species such as badgers and brush piles, the mammals' future on Earth is becoming uncertain. A 30% population decline has put hedgehogs to 'Near Threatened' status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list, which tracks species facing a high risk of extinction, and warns that they could be lost within a few generations.

Threats to Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are adversely affected by intensive farming and urbanization. These factors result in severe habitat loss and fragmentation that destroys connectivity between hedgehog populations. Roads and fences also pose a significant threat as they act as physical barriers to their movement and foraging.

Due to declining insect populations, hedgehogs often turn to slugs and snails. This can expose them to parasites, such as lungworm, which can prove fatal if left untreated. Chemical slug pellets commonly used in gardening can also be lethally toxic to hedgehogs.

Conservation Efforts

There are steps both individuals and governments can take to aid the preservation of hedgehogs. Some easy steps include leaving out water and food specifically designed for hedgehogs, especially during hot and dry spells. Creating hedgehog homes and log piles in gardens for shelter and hibernation can be beneficial, too.

Government can also play a part by incentivizing farmers to use more sustainable agricultural practices like organic farming, encouraging the use of non-toxic slug control methods, and investing in research into hedgehog conservation.