European hedgehog reclassified as near threatened amidst declining populations in Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, and UK

Research has long indicated concerns regarding the European hedgehog, and recent evaluations confirm their declining status. The species has been reclassified on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, moving to the ‘Near Threatened’ category, officially acknowledging their downturn in Europe.

According to Sophie Lund Rasmussen, a hedgehog researcher at Oxford University, this status signals that immediate action is necessary to prevent the species from becoming vulnerable or endangered in the near future. Several factors contribute to the hedgehog’s diminishing presence in gardens and wild areas, including the rise of robotic lawnmowers, agricultural expansion encroaching on natural habitats, the use of pesticides harming insect populations, and vehicles posing dangers during night crossings.

Countries like Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and the UK have documented over a 30% decline in hedgehog populations over the past decade, leading to a categorization of ‘Vulnerable’ in these regions. The IUCN Red List comprises seven categories, with the European hedgehog previously classified as ‘Least Concern’ but now under ‘Near Threatened.’

In Denmark, evidence of similar declines remains anecdotal, though researchers suspect a significant drop in numbers. For the past two years, citizens have been encouraged to count hedgehogs in August to help build a population database. This year, 16,627 hedgehogs were accounted for, down from about 25,000 last year.

Sophie Lund Rasmussen emphasizes the ecological importance of hedgehogs, describing them as “nature’s garbage collectors” for their role in controlling insect populations. Practical steps to support hedgehogs include avoiding chemical sprays, creating shelters, and providing food and water in gardens. Engaging with hedgehogs in their habitats can foster appreciation for these unique creatures, crucial to biodiversity.