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Hedgehog Welfare at Risk: Nighttime Mowing Robots Spark Debate on restrictions
In a surprising turn of events, the increasing use of mowing robots in gardens has led to a concerning trend - an upsurge in injuries and deaths among hedgehogs. These small, spiky creatures, native to Europe, are uniquely vulnerable to the machines as they curl up instead of fleeing, a behavior that unfortunately leads to disaster.
According to Julia Stubenbord, Baden-Württemberg's state animal welfare officer, the number of injured hedgehogs mirrors the growth in the number of mowing robots. This worrying trend has prompted the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) in Baden-Württemberg, in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), to advocate for a nighttime driving ban for these robotic mowers. Several cities, including Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt, have already implemented such a ban.
The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research reported that between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2023, they recorded 370 cases of injured hedgehogs nationwide, with nearly half of the reported animals (47%) not surviving their injuries. Furthermore, the institute estimates that a significant number of injured or deceased hedgehogs go unreported, as they often retreat to safety in hedges and bushes after being run over.
The tough reality is that the number of hedgehogs is in decline. Besides mowing robots, these animals face habitat loss in modern agricultural landscapes and well-maintained gardens. Many hedgehogs are hit by cars or struggle to find food due to the rapid decline in insects.
In Germany, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) holds a precautionary status on the Red List, and it is classified as "potentially threatened" on the international Red List of the IUCN. Encouraging nighttime quietness and minimizing disturbance could potentially assist these vulnerable creatures.
As debate continues on the appropriate measures to protect hedgehogs, cities like Cologne, Mainz, and Erfurt grapple with the question of whether to restrict lawn mowing robots from operating at night. The implications of such a ban, including noise reduction and reduced disturbance to hedgehogs, are currently under consideration.
The community is encouraged to promote nighttime quietness and minimize disturbance, as a nighttime driving ban for mowing robots could potentially assist and protect endangered European hedgehogs. In line with this, the science of environmental protection, environmental-science, and the human impact on wildlife highlight the importance of such policies to ensure the health and well-being of these creatures, and more broadly, the environment. Additionally, homeowners and garden enthusiasts, or those following a lifestyle advocating for sustainable practices, should consider adjusting their gardening routines to accommodate hedgehog safety, such as scheduling mowing activities during daylight hours when hedgehogs are less vulnerable.
