Wildlife

Hedgehog Population Decline and Mortality Causes

Hedgehog populations in the UK have declined by over 50% since 2000, driven by multiple interacting pressures on survival and reproduction.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog numbers fell from 30 million in the 1950s to under 1 million today
Road mortality kills an estimated 335,000 hedgehogs annually in Britain
Badger predation limits hedgehog populations in areas of high badger density
Garden pesticide use reduces invertebrate prey availability
Suburban gardens now provide important hedgehog habitat as countryside declines

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs injured on roads suffer significant trauma, and many are euthanised by rescue centres. Those that survive winter often emerge in poor body condition if autumn food availability was low. Understanding mortality causes allows targeted interventions to improve both population and individual welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Create hedgehog gaps in garden fences and walls
Reduce pesticide use in gardens to improve invertebrate availability
Check bonfires and compost heaps before disturbing them
Provide supplementary food (meat-based cat food or hedgehog food) in autumn
Drive carefully at night in areas with known hedgehog activity