Poker robots threaten hedgehogs: How to protect the sweet animals!

Poker robots threaten hedgehogs: How to protect the sweet animals!

In the Alb-Donau district, there are increasingly disturbing reports about injuries to hedgehogs and other small animals due to robotic lawnmowers. The veterinary office and the Office for Forest and Nature Conservation are now calling to be particularly mindful when operating these devices. Especially at dusk and darkness, nocturnal animals such as hedgehogs, frogs and toads are particularly at risk. In fact, in the event of danger, many hedgehogs roll up, which makes them invisible to the robotic lawnmower as an obstacle, such as Ulm News

The dreary truth is that injuries caused by the robotic lawnmowers in around half of the hedgehogs affected are fatal. This is particularly questionable, because the hedgehog holdings in Germany decrease continuously. Many reasons contribute to this decline, from traffic victims to the loss of habitats due to intensive garden care. Hedgehogs in particular need high grass, leafsticks and natural water points to survive in gardens and to be able to practice their important role in the ecosystem, such as the control of snail populations.

what can you do?

In order to minimize the risk of the cute animals, there are some simple but effective recommendations: Always check whether the use of a robotic lawnmower is really necessary. Robotic lawnmowers should only be used during the day as long as the dusk does not use. Before mowing, the garden should be thoroughly examined for hedgehogs and other animals. If you have a bit of patience, you can also leave the grass grown in sections, as a retreat for the small spiked animals. The Igelhilfverein e.V. Prevention of injuries comes.

A comprehensive study by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) shows the terrifying numbers: In 370 analyzed cases of cuts, almost half of the hedgehogs did not survive. The research results were published in a special edition of the journal "Animals". It is alarming that many injured hedgehogs are only discovered hours or days after the accidents, which significantly reduces the chances of rescue. In addition, robotic lawnmowers can also be legally operated on Sundays, which also tightens the situation for the hedgehogs. Previous studies show that robotic lawnmowers often cannot perceive small animals, which increases the risk that protected hedgehogs will be injured.

political measures required

The IZW researchers have developed a test protocol to assess the risk of injury and are calling for its introduction to European level. They also advise political measures such as a night bereau for robotic lawnmowers. The existence of the Braunbuntigel, which was placed on the pre -warning list of the Red List in 2020, is still very threatened. The German Wildlife Foundation chose the hedgehog in 2024 to the wild animal of the year in order to underline the importance and protection of this special kind.

It is up to us to keep the hedgehogs worth protecting in our gardens and to create a safe environment with a little mindfulness. If we all have a good hand, life in our gardens for the fascinating little roommates can be made safer and more alive.