Hedgehog populations have declined by over 50% in the UK since 2000, with road mortality, habitat loss, and pesticide use all contributing — welfare interventions are practical and accessible.
Road mortality causes acute trauma and death for hedgehogs. Survivors of vehicle strikes suffer internal injuries that cause prolonged suffering without veterinary care. Habitat fragmentation by solid fencing forces hedgehogs onto roads. Pesticide use reduces beetle, worm, and slug populations that hedgehogs depend on. Garden interventions are proven, cost-free welfare improvements.