Hedgehogs

Hedgehog by Scott Newman

Each year we feature Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) as our ‘Species of the Month’ throughout June (though, as one of our iWatch Wildlife flagship species – we keep an eye out for local Hedgehog observations throughout the year).

With a staggering 1/3 of all British Hedgehogs being lost since 2001 – this species is in real danger and your records are becoming more important than ever.

Here on the Island, it is believed they have declined in the countryside, but still survive in urban and suburban gardens.

It would be brilliant to boost our current records – let us know if you spot one *please tag us @iWatchWildlife on Social Media in your post / other posts relating to local Hedgehog sightings (both live and dead) so we don’t miss any of your valuable records.

You can also email us: iwatchwildlife@gmail.com if you’d prefer.

We need a date, location and a photo ideally (though may be a bit tricky in the dark – avoid using a flash though please!)

We collate the IW observations and upload to the IW Species Database (held and maintained by IWNHAS). We then feed in any IW records and also those logged by the IW Hedgehog Hospital to the national scheme run by People’s Trust for Endangered Species.

Good to know:
Hedgehogs are one of only two terrestrial mammals to hibernate in the UK, the other being the Hazel Dormouse – also found on the Island. Favourite foods include of beetles and worms.

Badgers are their main predator, but there have been increasing reports of the two species tolerating one another, and in some cases co-existing.

There are loads of things you can do to help Hedgehogs as an individual and collectively – getting together with your neighbours to link up gardens to make Hedgehog Highways. Don’t forget to leave out a shallow dish of water for Hedgehogs to drink during the Summer months if you can!

If you find a sick or injured Hedgehog, then please contact the IW Hedgehog Hospital or find them on Facebook @Save Our Hedgehogs Isle of Wight who work extremely hard to care for, rehabilitate and where possible release Hedgehogs back into the wild.

For more ideas & info to help Hedgehogs visit:
https://www.hedgehogstreet.org
https://ptes.org/campaigns/hedgehogs/