Researchers at University of Galway are joining forces with conservationists and the community as part of a mission to save Ireland’s hedgehogs.

The group has launched a new initiative, Hedgehog Conservation Ireland, which aims to develop a nationwide conservation strategy to protect the much-loved animals.

The initiative brings together researchers, wildlife rescuers and community supporters to stop population declines and ensure hedgehogs can thrive across Ireland.

It is led by Elaine O’Riordan, University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, Dr Amy Haigh, Veon Ecology, Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, Natural History Museum Denmark and WildCRU, University of Oxford, and Alan Bell, Eco Restoration Trust.

Hedgehog numbers have plummeted across Western Europe, and the species is now listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Populations are estimated to have fallen by 16-33% across their range due to habitat loss, road traffic and pesticides. Long-term monitoring in Britain shows declines of up to 75% in some rural areas, although urban populations appear more stable, highlighting the critical role that gardens, parks, and other managed green spaces play in hedgehog survival.

Elaine O’Riordan, a researcher with University of Galway's School of Natural Sciences and lead of the Irish Hedgehog Survey, said: “Since 2021, the Irish Hedgehog Survey has collected over 10,000 records from the public, helping researchers track population trends and understand where hedgehogs live. The Irish public clearly love hedgehogs and want to support them, and I encourage everyone to sign up as a hedgehog helper to learn how they can make a difference at home, at work, or at school.

“Everyone can help by taking simple steps to make their garden hedgehog-friendly. For example, leave some areas a little wild, create a small hole in your fence to let hedgehogs pass through, avoid using slug pellets, and cover open drains.”

To learn more and become a hedgehog helper, visit https://www.hedgehogsireland.com/

Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, also known as Dr Hedgehog, from WildCRU at the University of Oxford, said: “The European hedgehog is declining rapidly. We are causing this decline! The good news is that there is still time to make amends! If we work together to monitor the population and provide accessible, hedgehog friendly gardens, we can save the hedgehogs.”

Dr Rasmussen will also chair a stakeholder workshop in Clontarf. Co Dublin, on February 20th to discuss Ireland’s new hedgehog conservation strategy. Further workshop details are available at https://www.hedgehogsireland.com/ .

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