Mainz prohibits robotic lawnmowers at night: hedgehog in danger!

Mainz prohibits robotic lawnmowers at night: hedgehog in danger!

In Mainz, the city council has decided on a comprehensive ban on using robots during the night and at dusk. This ban comes into force half an hour before sunset and applies to half an hour after sunrise. The crucial reason for this measure is the protection of igles, which run considerably due to the automated devices. According to SWR are the serious, often fatal cuts, the hedgehogs: often suffer on the careless Handling of the robotic lawnmowers. The animals prefer to roll up in danger moments, which makes them particularly prone to injury.

The ban in Mainz is not unique. Cities like Cologne and Göttingen have also introduced comparable regulations to protect the hedgehog population. In the event of violations, fines threaten. During the day, however, robotic lawnmowers may be operated as usual.

growing danger from the robotic lawnmowers

The topic is pressing and is underpinned by current research. The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research documents alarming numbers of hedgehog injuries caused by robotic lawnmowers. The cases that end with serious to fatal consequences have increased significantly since the beginning of spring. According to IZW , technical solutions for the detection of small animals are not yet markety. Experts estimate that the number of unreported cases is high for injuries that have not been reported because many animals are not found.

hedgehog stations are now struggling with an increase in cases of up to 50 percent compared to the previous year and are physically and financially overwhelmed. The damage that the animals suffer are often serious, since slight cuts can lead to serious inflammation or even death if they are not treated. Volunteers also report on increasing stress and demand targeted political measures to relieve.

Need for political action

The "Igel Initiative FRG", founded in May 2023, has set itself the task of communicating the problem in politics and the public. Among other things, the demand for the covering of the veterinary costs for injured hedgehogs or a general ban on the operation of robotic lawns is supported during the night. This could be crucial to stop the decline in the hedgehog stands. In 2020, the hedgehog was officially placed on the pre -warning list of the German Red List, which underlines the urgency of these efforts.

The combination of increasing robotic lawnmower, the failure of the devices, can recognize small animals, and the low sensitivity of the users leads to a worrying increase in hedgehog injuries. Politicians and fellow citizens are challenged to improve the living conditions of these cute animals through responsible action.