Villach is committed to the endangered hedgehog: new hedgehog hotels and more piles of leaves

Villach is committed to the endangered hedgehog: new hedgehog hotels and more piles of leaves

The city of Villach has launched an impressive initiative to ensure the survival of the Western European hedgehog, which is now on the list of potentially endangered species for the first time according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This endangered species suffers from the pressure of intensive agriculture, road construction and the sealing of soils, which severely restrict and endanger its habitat.

To counteract these threatening developments, Villach's deputy mayor and sustainability officer, Sarah Katholnig, emphasized that the city is already taking comprehensive measures to promote biodiversity. Hedgehog hotels are being set up in city parks and green spaces to provide the small insect eaters with pleasant places to overwinter. In addition, numerous piles of leaves are created, which not only serve as a living space for the hedgehogs, but also create optimal conditions for their hibernation.

Important companions in the garden

The importance of hedgehogs in private gardens is enormous. They eat a variety of pests which include beetles, spiders and small snails. Through their diet, they not only contribute to a healthy garden, but are also an important piece of the puzzle in the ecosystem. Considering the natural pest control they provide, they can be described as valuable helpers for vegetable and fruit gardeners. The young people of the Association for the Promotion of Work and Employment (FAB) on Maria Gailer Straße have also been busy building hedgehog and insect hotels, which can be ordered for private individuals and companies.

The municipal services have also introduced new, climate-friendly methods for leaf disposal. Villach's urban green team is already using cordless blowers and traditional rakes wherever possible to treat the surrounding area carefully and avoid the use of environmentally harmful petrol blowers. As part of its activities, the city plans to reforest 120 new and climate-resilient trees in all parts of the city, which will improve the green infrastructure of the city area.

For further information about these environmentally friendly initiatives of the city of Villach and the relief measures for endangered animal species, those interested can the article on www.klick-kaernten.at read up.