how to protect endangered hedgehogs?
Attention to our friends hedgehogs ! Spring marks the end of their hibernation period. A timely period for individuals, who are busy maintaining their gardens with the arrival of fine weather. While these small mammals are particularly vulnerable, the Toulouse association “Sauve qui pique”, which deals with the preservation of hedgehogs, warns individuals, especially those with green thumbs.
A link in endangered biodiversity
Like all other species, the hedgehog has a role to play in the right balance of biodiversity. By feeding exclusively on slugs and snails, it is an essential link in the food chain and proves to be a major ally for gardeners. Nevertheless, this species tends to disappear soon.
Contacted by The Independent Opinion, Blandine Rey-Bethbeder, a volunteer at the Sauve qui pique association, explains: “Hedgehogs are protected by a decree dating from April 1983. For good reason, 70% of the workforce has disappeared in barely 20 years”. Environmental animator specializing in the protection of hedgehogs, she adds: “studies characterized by the total disappearance of the species by 2030”.
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What are the causes of hedgehog extinction?
The cause of the extinction of the hedgehogs are many. Despite popular belief, road traffic is not the only culprit. As for most species, the destruction of environments, particularly hedged areas, is the main scourge for hedgehogs. “Studies have also shown that hedgehogs suffer more in the countryside than in semi-urban or even urban areas”, informs Blandine. It is now in residential areas that small mammals with spikes feel the best, “even if the mortality is also important there”, nuance Blandine.
Moreover, “many gardeners apply pesticides slug repellent to protect their plants. Since the hedgehogs feed on it, they intoxicate directly”, explains Blandine. The use of clippers and rotofilers is also dangerous for the animal.
“We observe many hedgehogs with cut pasta in care centers”, testifies the volunteer. Monoculture is also an aggravating factor for the disappearance of the species. “Pools are also responsible for the destruction of biodiversity. From small mammals to insects, they all drown there. However, it would be enough to install a raft to avoid it”, indicates Blandine. Finally, dogs can also harm the well-being of small mammals, whose means of defense remain limited.
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How to preserve hedgehogs?
To pay preserve the species, simple gestures are to be adopted, or rather to be avoided. Above all, “we must not give them bread and milk, they love it, but it’s toxic for them”, explains Blandine. The only one chosen that you can therefore offer to our woodpecker friends is kibble or cat food and water. Then, to avoid any problems related to the use of mowers, “this activity is recommended from 8 p.m. because hedgehogs are nocturnal animals”, informs Blandine. And to add: “in the same way, check the piles of leaves and wood carefully before throwing them into the fire. These are the favorite hiding places of hedgehogs”.
Another important advice: “the hedgehogs must not be moved, except in the event of an emergency such as illness or injury”. The volunteer explains: “You shouldn’t change the animal’s environment, especially since at this time of year there are a lot of females with babies and you risk causing it to lose its nest and jeopardize the survival of darlings“. Thus, if you see hedgehogs on the road, it is advisable to put it on the side, but not to recover it. Last advice, and not least: open your gardens! “You must leave the circular wild animals, otherwise they have found themselves trapped and stuck in the fences,” warns Blandine. “We are noticing more and more diseases, especially lung diseases, in hedgehogs. We suspect a genetic impoverishment due to the lack of mixing linked to the compartmentalization of the environments”, reports the environmental facilitator.
>> In the event of the discovery of a sick hedgehog, contact the Wildlife Clinic – ENVT in Toulouse or contact Blandine via the Facebook page of “Sauve qui pique” for advice on a case-by-case basis.