Hedgehog Population – UK

[Laurence]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the latest survey information which has been published by the UK Mammal Society and Natural England? It is now estimating the total population in Britain to be just 522,000 – a sharp drop on the previous estimates of around 1 million that were circulating last year. I wonder how accurate these surveys are, given what we know about hedgehogs being nocturnal and quite elusive. Ultimately, of course, I am hoping that this latest survey is not correct and that the actual population is higher.

[Penny]

Hi Laurence,

Yes, it makes for very worrying reading indeed. Interesting that it was commissioned by the governments own agency Natural England, so you would think that the Mammal Society would have reasonably accurate means for collecting their data. I am surprised that their hasn’t been more of a fuss made over such devastating figures, but then I suppose it’s early days yet. 🙁

[Nic]

Hi Laurence and Penny

My feeling, Laurence, is that these surveys become more accurate if the information from more than one source is combined, as I think happened with The State of British Hedgehogs. As you suggest, hedgehogs are not the easiest to survey.

The problem with this survey, Penny, is that as it covers all mammals in the country, the amount of publicity hogs get as a result is more likely to be limited. The survey, in general, was mentioned on Springwatch although not hedgehogs in particular.

[Laurence]

Thanks Penny and Nic. I agree and I think the limited publicity of one species is testament to the number of other species identified as being at risk or endangered. Clearly much to do generally in promoting habitat creation etc!

[Nic]

You’re right there, Laurence. If there was better habitat for many species, there wouldn’t be so many problems with different species interaction either. We just need enough of us to do a little bit and it could make a big difference.

[Author]

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