Previously very widespread in Western Europe, the common hedgehog (also known as the “European hedgehog”) is undergoing a significant decline in its range. So much so that the IUCN Red List has reassessed its conservation status. The species, until now classified as “least concern”, is now “near threatened”. Explanations from 30millionsdamis.fr.
The European hedgehog is gradually moving away from our gardens. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), significant declines « ont been observed in more than half of the countries where this species is present ». These worrying findings have led to a reassessment of its conservation status on a global scale. Until now classified as “minor concern”, theErinaceus europaeus is now “near threatened” on the updated IUCN red list, published Monday October 28, 2024 in Cali (Colombia) during COP16 biodiversity.
In Western Europe, data collected by scientific programs over the last ten years highlight “a decline in many areas, particularly in rural environments”. This reduction also turns out to be more or less significant depending on the different territories studied. A drop of 16% is observed, for example, in the Netherlands, while Sweden is said to have lost 33% of its workforce.
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Very widespread in wooded and agricultural landscapes, as well as in our gardens, the European hedgehog is observed more and more frequently in urban areas, due to a deterioration of the rural environment, warns the IUCN. Gardening tools, pesticides, misuse of lawn mowers, but also development of infrastructure and disappearance of hedges…“A cynergy of threats weighs on the hedgehog, in particular the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat”, points out Victoire Kühn, mission manager “ Operation hedgehog » for France Nature Environnement (FNE Doubs) at 30millionsdamis.fr. This list of disturbances forces hedgehogs to relocate their own nests to find refuge elsewhere. “Hedges are essential for hedgehogs, as for many species,” adds the expert.
Human activities harmful to the survival of the species
“Agricultural intensification and urban growth have likely led to the loss and degradation of nesting and foraging habitats for this species,” complements the IUCN. Added to this are the effects of climate change, reducing the availability of prey for the hedgehog, which feeds mainly on invertebrates and carrion. However, “it is an opportunistic animal that can turn to food sources in the city, as ripe fruits on the ground, easy to access, specifies V. Kühn at 30millionsdamis.fr. In parallel, many passers-by are tempted to feed them with kibble that is not suitable for their diet.”
Finally, the hedgehog remains a major victim of road collisions which, according to the 2023 report of “Operation Hérisson” published by the FNE, represent 83% of reports in France. To facilitate their movement, more and more wildlife crossings allow small mammals to cross the tracks in complete safety.
A darkening future
Listed in Appendix III of the Berne Convention, the European hedgehog is among the mammals fully protected in France under article L411-1 of the environmental code. Therefore, “it is therefore prohibited to destroy, capture, mutilate, remove hedgehogs and disturb them in their natural environment”, recalls the LPO.
Despite these regulations, the future of the common hedgehog is deteriorating and experts are already expressing their concerns about the next IUCN assessment. “ [Le hérisson] is very close to being “vulnerable” and it is likely that it will fall into this category the next time we evaluate it,” alerts Sophie Rasmussen, researcher at the wildlife conservation unit at the University of Oxford, to AFP. “We don’t want itreacts Victoire Kühn. However, if there is no awareness on the part of all stakeholders in society, hedgehog populations, like many species, will decline further.. There is an urgent need to protect these little stinging balls!
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