British hedgehog numbers on brink of collapse sparking urgent 'call for action'
An animal expert said the drop was 'magnified by climate change'
TL;DR
- Rural hedgehog numbers have declined by 71% between 1981 and 2023.
- Factors contributing to the decline include agricultural intensification, road mortality, pesticide use, and dry weather.
- Hedgehog populations are faring better in urban areas, with numbers increasing by approximately 20% between 2004 and 2024.
- Urban hedgehog success is attributed to gardeners' 'hedgehog-friendly actions', such as reduced pesticide use and creating passage through fences.
- Other UK wildlife, including wild birds, Hazel dormice, and Great Crested Newts, are also experiencing significant population declines.
- Conservation experts have issued an urgent 'call to action' to prevent the extinction of hedgehogs.