Breaking: European hedgehog listed as Near Threatened on IUCN Red List - Mammal Society
The conservation status of the West European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has been updated from Least Concern to Near Threatened in the latest release of the IUCN Red List. This change is based on a decline that appears to be approaching, or exceeding, 30% in 10 years across many areas of its range.
“The change to the Western European hedgehog’s status comes after careful review of local, regional and national-level surveys from across its range. Unfortunately, evidence points towards a worrying and widespread downward trend. The Red List assessment also highlights data uncertainties – for example, the limits of this species’ distribution are not entirely clear, and there are gaps in knowledge of its populations. There is still a chance to halt the decline of the Western European hedgehog, and we must aim to prevent any further worsening of status,” explained Abi Gazzard, Programme Officer at IUCN SSC Small Mammal Specialist Group member.
Once abundant across Europe, the West European hedgehog now faces a rapidly shrinking population. Urban development, agricultural expansion and road infrastructure have fragmented the hedgehog’s habitat, while vehicle collisions, the use of pesticides, and poorly managed gardens continue to reduce their numbers. Monitoring efforts indicate that their decline may exceed 30% over the past decade, putting the species at serious risk.
Posted On: 29/10/2024
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