Hedgehog listed as an endangered species for the first time
On the IUCN Red List
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the number of Western European hedgehogs – also known as brown-breasted hedgehogs or western hedgehogs – is in sharp severe. They have classified the animal as «potentially endangered» on their Red List of Threatened Species for the first time.
The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can be found in Switzerland, Germany and Austria, the Benelux countries, Scandinavia and Great Britain, among others. Over the past ten years, the number has declined by between 16 and 33 percent, depending on the country. In Flanders in Belgium and in Bavaria, it has even fallen by 50 percent. As hedgehogs only have offspring once a year, protecting their habitats is all the more important!
Piles of leaves and branches as shelter
Hedgehogs need to be better protected. In private gardens, for example, piles of leaves and branches provide them with shelter.
In recent years, the Foundation Wildnispark Zurich has created numerous new habitats for hedgehogs, weasels, wild bees and lizards on the grounds of the visitor center in Sihlwald. Anyone who would like to make a contribution to promoting biodiversity at home can find numerous practical instructions (wildnispark.ch/diversity) on how to build such small structures at. Get involved! – in favor of biodiversity.
Working together in the Zimmerberg nature network
Launched in 2023, Naturnetz Zimmerberg promotes biodiversity projects across municipal boundaries. Among other things, the network is currently also strongly committed to the hedgehog. The Zurich Wilderness Park Foundation is a member of the Zimmerberg Nature Network expert committee.
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