The Common Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a small omnivorous mammal commonly found in our countryside and gardens, even in urban areas. A true ally for gardeners due to its diet (which includes a good portion of insects, larvae, and slugs), this charming ball of spines is unfortunately in significant decline across Europe. Is the hedgehog really at risk of disappearing?
→ Also listen to our podcast on the hedgehog:
What threats does the hedgehog face?
There are many! Firstly, the decline of insects and other arthropods due to the destruction of natural habitats and the massive and abusive use of insecticides (and slug pellets!) deprives it of a large part of its food supply. Insecticides and metaldehyde slug pellets also poison hedgehogs, causing 25% of all hedgehog mortalities.
Moreover, following extensive land consolidation, hedgerows and field margins that provided shelter have been ruthlessly removed. Small woods that once offered refuge to wildlife between fields are becoming increasingly rare. Our gardens are becoming more and more compartmentalised, preventing hedgehogs from entering or leaving. And when we talk about gardens... Most "gardens" today are unsuitable for wildlife (fortunately, this trend is reversing!). This fragmentation of habitats isolates hedgehogs. Consequently, genetic mixing is reduced, further compromising hedgehog health.
Humans, as always, regularly make hedgehog life a nightmare. If only it were just the hedgehog... Hedgehogs are killed on our roads (over 20%), drown in our pools, are shredded by garden machinery, or suffocated by litter thrown everywhere.
However, it’s not always our fault. The hedgehog also suffers from numerous diseases and parasites, and is preyed upon by badgers, wild boars, Eurasian Eagle-Owls, Tawny Owls, foxes... and dogs (ah yes, that’s us too!).
What is the status of the hedgehog?
The Common Hedgehog or European Hedgehog has been fully protected in Europe since 1981, with protection further strengthened in 2007. The hedgehog is now classified as "Least Concern" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List.
According to a British study, the hedgehog population has decreased by 30 to 75% in just twenty years depending on the regions studied. In our case, there are no precise data yet, but it is highly likely that these statistics are similar for France and Belgium. According to some specialists, the hedgehog could disappear by 2050.
Also read: the legal status of the hedgehog in France (N.B.: the status is practically identical for Belgium).
The hedgehog is so useful
The Common Hedgehog is what we call an "umbrella species". This means that by protecting it and its habitat, we also protect all the associated fauna and flora: predators, parasites... If it disappears, the ecosystem of this biotope will be completely unbalanced, which will have detrimental consequences for the rest of the wildlife. Furthermore, the presence of a hedgehog indicates the good health of the surrounding biodiversity.
What can we do to help?
Create a welcoming garden for them: piles of wood, piles of leaves... for hibernation and wild, natural areas (flowering meadows, field hedges...). Eliminate all ecocides (herbicides, slug pellets, insecticides...)! Provide small boards if you have a water feature, so the hedgehog can get out of the water. Reduce, if possible, your night-time outings on roads in motor vehicles, which will also help protect amphibians at the same time. For more information, read this document from LPO on how to help and welcome hedgehogs.
If you find a sick, thin, and wobbling hedgehog at home, gently pick it up with gloves and place it in an open cardboard box, putting a hot water bottle or a bottle of warm water in an old sock next to it. Offer it some water and leave the box in a quiet, ventilated room, then contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation centre. Otherwise, do not touch hedgehogs wandering in your garden: you will unnecessarily stress them, which could be fatal!
In Belgium: a hedgehog monitoring programme has been initiated by LRBPO, here is all the information: suiviherisson.be
In France: "mission for hedgehogs" is studying, with the help of volunteers, hedgehog populations. Feel free to participate!
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