Hedgehogs are making a surprising comeback in urban environments, thanks to the increase in green spaces and eco-friendly gardening practices. Habitat loss, intensive agriculture practices, urbanization, and climate change had contributed to hedgehog populations declining in recent decades. However, researchers have found that the increase in green spaces and eco-friendly gardening practices, which support the diversity of flowers and insects in urban areas, has created new habitats for hedgehogs and provided a plentiful source of food. People can help hedgehogs thrive in urban environments by providing a safe and comfortable habitat, creating an eco-friendly garden, making their garden accessible to hedgehogs, and supporting wildlife conservation charities.
Hedgehogs Make Surprising Comeback in Urban Environments
Hedgehogs, once a common sight in British countryside gardens, have made a surprising comeback in urban environments. According to wildlife experts, the spiky mammals have been thriving in cities thanks to the increase in green spaces and the growing trend of eco-friendly gardening.
Why were hedgehogs declining?
Over the past few decades, hedgehog populations have declined sharply due to a number of factors, from habitat loss and intensive agricultural practices to urbanization and climate change. These factors have resulted in a loss of hedgerows, which are the natural habitats for hedgehogs, and a reduction in the variety of insects and other small invertebrates that form their diet.
How are hedgehogs adapting to urban environments?
While hedgehogs may have lost some of their traditional habitats, they are adapting remarkably well to life in urban areas. According to researchers, the increase in green spaces, such as parks and gardens, has created new habitats for hedgehogs, while the growing trend of eco-friendly gardening has encouraged the diversity of flowers and insects in urban areas, providing a plentiful source of food.
What can people do to help hedgehogs thrive in urban environments?
There are several ways people can help hedgehogs thrive in urban environments:
- Provide hedgehogs with a safe and comfortable habitat in your garden by making a hedgehog house, leaving piles of leaves or logs, and providing a shallow dish of water.
- Create an eco-friendly garden by planting a variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, and leaving areas of your garden untouched.
- Make your garden accessible to hedgehogs by cutting a hole in your fence or providing a hedgehog ramp to help them climb over walls.
- Support wildlife conservation charities such as the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, which works to protect hedgehogs and their habitats.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs may be small and unassuming, but their resilience and ability to adapt to changing environments are truly remarkable. With the help of conservation efforts and eco-friendly gardening practices, hedgehogs have made a surprising comeback in urban areas, providing a much-needed reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world.
FAQs
- What do hedgehogs eat?
- What is the best way to help a hedgehog in distress?
- What is the best time of year to see hedgehogs?
Hedgehogs are omnivores and eat a variety of insects, worms, slugs, snails, and small mammals. They also like to eat fruits and vegetables.
If you find a hedgehog that appears to be injured or sick, the best thing to do is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Do not attempt to handle the hedgehog yourself, as they can be easily stressed and injured.
Hedgehogs are most active during the summer months when they are foraging for food and building their fat reserves for hibernation. However, they can be seen throughout the year, particularly in gardens and parks with a lot of greenery.
