The Western European hedgehog is becoming increasingly rare – an alarming sign for the state of our nature. For the first time, it has been classified as “potentially endangered” on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This classification shows that the hedgehog’s habitat is seriously threatened by human encroachment.
The intensification of agriculture, the increase in traffic routes and progressive urban development have led to a significant decline in hedgehog populations in recent years. “The problem is humans,” emphasizes the IUCN and draws attention to the importance of better protection of rural habitats. Hedgehogs are also severely affected in Switzerland: Many green spaces are disappearing and natural shelters are becoming increasingly scarce.
Over the last ten years, the number of hedgehogs in Western Europe has fallen by up to 33 percent – in some regions even more dramatically. The situation is particularly alarming in Flanders (Belgium) and Bavaria (Germany), where populations have fallen by up to 50 percent. It remains difficult to determine the exact total population, but it is clear that the hedgehog urgently needs support to ensure its long-term survival.
The category “potentially endangered” is the second level of a seven-level IUCN endangerment scale, which ranges from “not endangered” to “extinct”. The Red List, which has existed since 1964, now includes over 166,000 animal and plant species, of which more than 46,000 are considered threatened. The hedgehog thus joins a growing number of animal species that are coming under pressure due to habitat loss and other human influences.
Igelhilfe Schweiz is actively committed to the protection and conservation of hedgehogs in Switzerland. In addition to creating safe habitats and promoting natural gardens, the association runs a modern hedgehog station in Niedergösgen. This station serves as a refuge for injured or weakened hedgehogs, which receive medical care and are nursed back to health.
In addition, Igelhilfe Schweiz offers free training courses for assistants in veterinary practices and for employees in horticultural businesses. These training courses help professionals to understand and apply the correct behavior and the necessary measures to protect hedgehogs in their environment.
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