Mammals

Hedgehog Welfare: Declining Populations and Pet Trade Concerns

European hedgehogs are in steep decline while African pygmy hedgehogs face welfare problems as exotic pets in North America.

Key Facts

UK hedgehog populations have declined by 50% since 2000
Hedgehogs hibernate and need large territories of up to 3km nightly
The African pygmy hedgehog exotic pet trade involves wheel running for 8+ hours nightly
Hibernating hedgehogs in captivity often die from inappropriate temperatures
Road mortality and pesticides are leading threats to wild hedgehog populations

Welfare Considerations

Wild hedgehogs face habitat fragmentation from garden walls and fences that block their movement. Garden pesticides reduce their insect prey and poison them directly. African pygmy hedgehogs kept as pets without adequate space and enrichment develop health problems from obesity and stress. Captive hedgehogs with inadequate hides suffer from constant exposure stress.

What You Can Do

Create a 13cm gap in your garden fence for hedgehog passage
Stop using slug pellets that poison hedgehogs and their prey
Leave log piles and leaf heaps for hedgehog hibernation habitat
Donate to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society
Research thoroughly before acquiring African pygmy hedgehogs as pets