NUI Galway and National Biodiversity Data Centre launch nationwide ‘Hedgehog Citizen Survey’

Hedgehogs, among Ireland’s favourite mammals, are the subject of a new national survey led by researchers at NUI Galway and the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

The public are asked to take on the role of ‘citizen scientists’ and help in recording hedgehogs for the survey.

There are a number of ways in which volunteers can take part:

Firstly, as casual recorders, people are asked to report any sightings of live or dead hedgehogs whenever they see them via the Biodiversity Ireland website at https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/additional-survey-schemes/irish-hedgehog-survey/.

For those who would like to get more actively involved, there is a Garden Hedgehog Survey, where volunteers can survey their garden for hedgehogs using a footprint tunnel that can be made at home, or a trail camera if they have one.

Volunteers can take part whether they know they have hedgehogs or not.

The simple survey requires that the tunnel or camera be left in place for five nights and checked every day for signs of hedgehog activity.

Volunteers may survey their own garden, a friend or relative’s garden, school garden or a green area in an estate – as long as they are compliant with current Covid-19 restrictions.

Results of the survey are submitted via an online recording form. Instructions for making a footprint tunnel, the survey method and online form are at www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com.

There is also an online questionnaire survey for farmers which aims to gather information on hedgehogs on farmland habitats across the country.

It is a short, simple survey and farmers are asked to fill it out whether they believe they have hedgehogs on their land or not.

The Irish Hedgehog Survey forms part of the research of PhD candidate Elaine O’Riordan from the Zoology Department at NUI Galway.

She said: “Hedgehogs are one of the most understudied mammal species in Ireland. We have very little data on the status of the Irish hedgehog population.

“Thus, it is not known if Irish hedgehog numbers are experiencing similar declines as in Britain and other countries across Europe.”

Recent studies in the UK estimate losses of up to 50% of hedgehogs in rural areas and 30% in urban areas over the last 20 years.

These losses have been largely attributed to habitat loss and damage due to changing farming practices and increased urbanisation and infrastructure.

It is hoped this study will provide information on the numbers and distribution of hedgehogs in Ireland that will enable us to monitor their population in the future.

The Irish Hedgehog Survey will run for the next two years and will expand in 2021 to include a countryside hedgehog survey.