Patterns of Feeding by Householders Affect Activity of Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) during the Hibernation Period

Abstract

West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are likely to encounter unusual ecological features in urban habitats, such as anthropogenic food sources and artificial refugia. Quantifying how these affect hedgehog behaviour is vital for informing conservation guidelines for householders. We monitored hedgehog presence/absence in gardens in the town of Reading, UK, over the winter of 2017–2018 using a volunteer-based footprint tunnel survey, and collected data on garden characteristics, supplementary feeding (SF) habits, and local environmental conditions. Over a 20-week survey period, hedgehog presence was lowest between January and March. Occupancy analysis indicated that SF significantly affected hedgehog presence/absence before, during, and after hibernation. The number of nesting opportunities available in gardens, average temperatures, and daylength were also supported as important factors at different stages. In particular, our results suggest that SF could act to increase levels of activity during the winter when hedgehogs should be hibernating. Stimulating increased activity at this sensitive time could push hedgehogs into a net energy deficit or, conversely, help some individuals survive which might not otherwise do so. Therefore, further research is necessary to determine whether patterns of feeding by householders have a positive or negative effect on hedgehog populations during the hibernation period.

Trends in intake and outcomes for European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in the Czech rescue centers

“…However, feeding wild hedgehogs is a controversial issue. Soft food intended for dogs and cats is often offered, which can contribute to the formation of dental calculus in hedgehogs, or the provision of such easily accessible food may disrupt the hibernating behavior of hedgehogs [ 34 ]. On the other hand, these sources can help hedgehogs reach optimum condition before winter hibernation or be an alternative source of food at the time when their primary food is less available.…”

Decline in Distribution and Abundance: Urban Hedgehogs under Pressure

“…This depletion of potential food sources might have contributed to the observed decline of hedgehog populations in Zurich and could also explain a spatially patchy pattern. Furthermore, some garden owners might provide artificial food sources for hedgehogs, which has been shown to increase activity levels during the winter when hedgehogs should be hibernating [65]. The importance of supplementary feeding, however, has not been investigated in detail.…”

Using citizen science to understand and map habitat suitability for a synurbic mammal in an urban landscape: the hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus

“…Hedgehog presence is thought to depend on the availability of food and suitable vegetation for nesting, and on predation risk (Pettett et al 2017). Urban hedgehogs are closely associated with greenspaces, where there are high invertebrate prey availability (Young et al 2006, Hubert et al 2011), supplemental feeding from householders (Gazzard & Baker 2020), and sheltered conditions, wildlife‐friendly features, and structured vegetation in gardens (Hof & Bright 2009, Braaker et al 2014). Connectivity between these habitats is important; juvenile hedgehogs in Denmark use a minimum of 10 gardens (Rasmussen et al 2019).…”