Hedgehog Backpacks Aid Tiny Mammal's Survival

Conservationists are employing innovative methods, including GPS 'backpacks' and a specially trained detection dog, to protect the dwindling European hedgehog population. Researchers are attaching small GPS devices to male hedgehogs to map their nocturnal journeys, revealing how they navigate urban environments and the obstacles they encounter. This initiative is particularly vital as recent studies suggest hedgehogs are increasingly reliant on urban gardens for survival.

The project also involves the first hedgehog detection dog in Ireland, trained to locate lost trackers and improve the efficiency of hedgehog monitoring. This canine assistance is crucial for gathering data on hedgehogs that may not visit artificial feeders. Such efforts are a response to a dramatic population decline since the 1950s, primarily attributed to habitat loss and lack of food.

Information gathered will guide conservation actions, including encouraging homeowners to create 'hedgehog highways' and log piles. These modifications facilitate hedgehog movement between gardens, providing access to mates and essential food sources like insects. Understanding hedgehog travel, which can span up to 3km nightly, highlights the need for connected habitats across urban and rural landscapes.