Wildlife Welfare

Wild Hedgehog Population Monitoring

Hedgehog population monitoring through citizen science provides essential data for conservation welfare management. Understanding population trends guides targeted interventions.

Key Facts

The Big Hedgehog Map collects sighting data from across the UK
Hedgehog populations have declined by over a third since 2000
Urban hedgehog populations appear to be stabilising or recovering in some areas
Rural hedgehog populations continue declining due to agricultural intensification
Monitoring data guides targeted conservation management in key areas

Welfare Considerations

Population monitoring builds the evidence base for welfare-relevant conservation management. Citizen science participation directly contributes to the data enabling targeted protection of hedgehog populations.

What You Can Do

Register your garden on the Hedgehog Street scheme
Report hedgehog sightings to the Big Hedgehog Map
Support hedgehog conservation organisations using monitoring data for management
Create hedgehog-friendly garden habitats to support local populations