Hedgehog in danger: This is how we protect the little garden residents!

Von WOM

In the district of Cuxhaven, an important discussion about the protection of the hedgehog, which was named wild animal in 2024, has flared up. The use of robots, especially at night, is a great danger for these animals, which at that time are actively looking for food. The district administration appeals to the population to operate their machines only during the day. This is because hedgehogs are unable to protect themselves from the voracious blades of the robotic lawnmowers during the twilight and at night.

The hedgehogs are not natural escape animals, which makes them particularly vulnerable. They try to defend themselves by raising their spines, but this does not offer protection against the sharp blades of the mower. Injuries caused by lawns are common and can fatal to the animals. This is also proven by current studies by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin, which collects alarming data about cuts in igles.

political discussion and planned regulations

The topic of security of the hedgehogs was recently treated in a meeting of the specialist committee for environmental, climate and consumer protection and agriculture. There, an application from the animal welfare party and the left were discussed, which stimulated a nightly driving ban for robotic lawnmowers. During the review, however, it turned out that the district lacks the legal means in order to enforce such a regulation. Nevertheless, there is broad agreement among the political representatives that better protection for the hedgehogs is urgently needed.

At the national level, a change from the Animal Welfare Act is currently being considered, which provides for a mowing ban from private lawns during dusk and night. This is intended to serve the protection of endangered animal species, including the hedgehog. So it seems that a legal regulation is possible in the near future.

tips for a hedgehog -friendly garden

In addition to considering the right mowing, there are also many simple measures that garden owners can take to support hedgehogs. A hedgehog -friendly garden contributes significantly to the preservation of this kind. So leaves, branches and shrubs should remain in the corners of the garden; These materials offer hinges protection against cold and serve as nesting material during hibernation. During the day, hedgehogs are looking for security in hedges, piles of stones or compost.

To offer the hinges and other insects a retreat, it is helpful not to mow some lawn and meadow areas. In this way, garden owners can provide their part to preserve this important way and at the same time promote biodiversity in their gardens.

The increasing cuts and the obvious hazard of the hedgehogs from nightly mowing are alarming. It remains to be hoped that both political measures and people's awareness contribute to rescue these charming animals. More information about the topic can be found here