Home Range, Movement, and Nest Use of Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in an Urban Environment Prior to Hibernation

Abstract

The West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is in decline, and it is important to identify its challenges. We used VHF-telemetry to monitor pre-hibernation space use, nest use, and hibernation sites in a suburban area in Norway. Based on nine adult hedgehogs tracked between August and November 2002, we found that home range size was not dependent on individual sex or weight and that home ranges overlapped between individuals regardless of sex. The distance moved was not dependent on individual sex, but there was a tendency for increased movement before dawn. The number of nests used per individual (0–10) and the number of nest switches (0–14) varied greatly and did not differ significantly between sexes. Out of 28 nest sites, 16 were linked to buildings and 12 to vegetation, and nesting material was most often grass and leaves. Three hedgehogs monitored until hibernation established winter nests under tree roots in natural forest patches in September, and this suggests that establishing or maintaining forest patches in urban areas is important to ensure suitable hibernation habitat for hedgehogs. Our study was limited by a low sample size, and additional research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges hedgehogs face in urban environments.

Applied Hedgehog Conservation Research

“…Despite the many negative effects of anthropogenic hazards and environmental change, hedgehogs are often found living alongside humans, especially in low-density urban and suburban areas with gardens and plenty of greenspace, where they may benefit from supplementary food sources, a reduced risk of predation, additional shelter, and a warmer microclimate [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Hedgehogs are typically absent from highly urbanised environments such as town centres and cities with small, highly fragmented areas of greenspace [ 7 , 9 ], but the benefits of an urban lifestyle can be seen in northern Scandinavian countries, where hedgehogs are principally found in association with human settlements [ 10 ], provided that an appropriate number of small forest patches in urban areas ensure suitable hibernation habitats for hedgehogs [ 11 ]. Similarly, in Qatar, a population of Ethiopian hedgehogs ( Paraechinus aethiopicus ) benefit from visiting irrigated farms and a rubbish mound [ 12 ].…”