Morava threatens hedgehogs: alarming numbers of injuries rise!

Morava threatens hedgehogs: alarming numbers of injuries rise!

Minden-Lübbecke, May 5, 2025: An alarming increase in the injuries to igles by robotic lawnmowers is currently being observed by experts and conservationists. Dr. Anne Berger from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) reports of an increase in registered cases by 30 to 50 percent since spring. This increase is a serious animal and species protection problem, since numerous hedgehogs are victims of these automated garden care devices.

Research shows that many hedgehogs in Germany suffer from cuts that usually occur during the night. "Moreal robots often have no reliable obstacle recognition for small animals such as hedgehogs," explains Sönke Tielbürger, head of the lower nature conservation authority. The hedgehog as a nocturnal animal has only limited opportunities to protect himself. Rolling together is often not sufficient to keep it from the dangerous blades.

gravity of the injuries

As part of an investigation, scientists analyzed 370 cases of cuts caused by the robotic lawnmowers. It is alarming that almost half of these animals (47%) did not survive the injuries. In particular, the number of unreported cases could be high because many hedgehogs are only found hours or days after an incident, often too late for successful treatment. Tiel citizen of hedgehog catchment stations reports that are overwhelmed with a flood of injured animals.

The increase in injuries correlates with the increase in the robotic lawnmowers. According to the estimates, sales rose by 12 percent annually. On the other hand, technical solutions that enable the detection of small animals are still not ready for the market. This means that robotic lawnmowers are often unattended and operated at night, which has catastrophic consequences for the already endangered hedgehogs.

recommendations for garden owners

In order to reduce the hazard for hedgehogs and other small animals, there are clear recommendations for garden owners. It is advisable to use robotic lawnmowers during the day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and to search the garden in front of mowing animals. Manual mowing methods should be preferred in particular in sensitive areas.

In addition, the researchers informed about the importance of a diverse and varied garden design. "Wild corners" can not only bid a protected habitat, but also other endangered species such as frogs, toads, toads, lizards and insects. Such rethinking in garden design could contribute significantly to ecological stability.

In addition, political action is required to enforce the night operating robot. Voluntary hedgehog stations that take care of the care of injured hedgehogs are physically and mentally overwhelmed. Support should also be provided for the assumption of veterinary costs to defuse the situation.

The rapid developments of this problem are in the context of the declining inventory of the Braunbruntigel (Erinaceus Europaeus), which was placed on the pre -warning list of the Red List in 2020 and was elected wild animal of the year in 2024 by the German Wildlife Foundation. This makes it clear how urgently measures are required to protect these animals.

The research results that deal with the causes and solutions for the endangerment of the hedgehogs are documented, among other things, in the special edition "Applied Hedgehog Conservation Research" of the journal "Animals". The "Hedgehog Initiative FRG", an association of experts from practice and research, has set itself the task of pointing out the grievances and developing solutions to protect hedgehog population in Germany.