Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Urban Population Monitoring

Urban hedgehog populations are declining in some areas but stable in others. Citizen science monitoring helps track trends and guide conservation.

Key Facts

Urban hedgehog populations may be declining by 30% per decade in some areas
Hedgehog Street has connected thousands of citizen scientists across the UK
Footprint tunnels and camera traps allow systematic monitoring
Road mortality, garden hazards, and habitat loss are primary urban threats
Connected garden networks support viable urban hedgehog populations

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehogs face welfare challenges from road mortality, garden hazards, and inadequate food resources. Monitoring helps identify where populations are declining and target conservation interventions. Individual hedgehogs in areas with good connected habitat, supplementary food, and low road mortality experience better welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Join Hedgehog Street and submit hedgehog sightings data
Set up a camera trap or footprint tunnel to monitor local hedgehog activity
Advocate for wildlife-friendly urban planning including hedgehog crossings