Lutra 52(2)_Hof & Bright_2009

The value of green-spaces in built-up areas for western hedgehogs

With ongoing urbanisation an increasing number of wildlife species face rising levels of pressure due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The impact of urbanisation on species has been mainly investigated for avian life. It is however less well known how urban dwelling mammals are affected. The western hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is closely associated with built-up areas and has recently been included in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan, as a result of evidence of significant decline in Great Britain. We studied the presence of western hedgehogs and other mammals in green-spaces in built-up areas throughout Great Britain using effort-based volunteer surveys. We used these data to investigate which factors were associated with variations in relative abundance of hedgehogs in urbanised landscapes, and to draw conclusions on which mitigation measures might benefit hedgehogs and other mammal populations. The present study suggests that the presence of wildlife friendly features, such as a hedgehog nest box and feeders, attract western hedgehogs to gardens. The presence of predators had a significant negative impact on the relative abundance of western hedgehogs in built-up areas in countryside regions. The lack of connectivity between patches of suitable habitat caused by barriers such as large water-bodies and impenetrable fences also restricted hedgehog abundance. The need for the incorporation of good environmental management, with consideration for habitat connectivity, in development planning seems to be crucial for the viability of hedgehog populations in built-up areas. Awareness amongst the public of the possibilities to increase the attractiveness of private gardens for wildlife might also increase the viability of wildlife in harsh environments.