I hear there\u2019s a hedgehog census under way next week. Why are we counting hedgehogs? <\/p>\n
The public is being asked to join in a hedgehog<\/a> count to help conservationists assess the animal\u2019s population size and spread in Ireland<\/a>. <\/p>\n I\u2019ve never seen a hedgehog stand up to be counted \u2013 how exactly are we supposed to find them? <\/p>\n It will take a bit of sharp-eyed observation but if you keep a lookout in gardens<\/a>, parks, farms, estates, campuses and public green spaces, you might spot one. <\/p>\n In terms of timing, dusk or later is the best time to see hedgehogs as they are almost entirely nocturnal. <\/p>\n In daytime, you\u2019re most likely to find dead hedgehogs \u2013 mainly as roadkill \u2013 and the count organisers want to know about them too. <\/p>\n Is there a concern that hedgehog numbers are getting out of hand? <\/p>\n Quite the opposite \u2013 there\u2019s a real fear that populations are dwindling so an organisation called Hedgehog Conservation Ireland<\/a> has been set up to try to work out where they are most in trouble and what might be done to help. <\/p>\n What\u2019s causing the decline? <\/p>\n Loss of habitat is a big issue as agricultural fields expand and hedgerows disappear. <\/p>\n Gardens are getting smaller and more sanitised, with potted plants, paving slabs, walls and sealed fences replacing grass, hedges and leafy shrubs that allow hedgehogs to forage, hide and move easily over long distances. <\/p>\n Public greens can also often be too \u201ctidy\u201d to allow anywhere for a hedgehog to live safely. <\/p>\n [\u00a0Backyard battle to save hedgehogs is critical as numbers declineOpens in new window<\/a>\u00a0]<\/p>\n Hedgehogs often get bitten by dogs and maimed by strimmers when gardeners are tidying up grass verges. <\/p>\n Not to sound mean, but don\u2019t hedgehogs give you a nasty prick if handled, and don\u2019t they carry their body\u2019s weight worth of fleas?<\/p>\n Not to sound preachy, but you shouldn\u2019t be handling them. And yes, while bugs do treat them as a form of public transport, hedgehogs are great at keeping other pests under control. Slug elimination is a particular skill. <\/p>\n Okay, I\u2019m sold. How can I help? <\/p>\n An online form has been set up so anyone who spots a hedgehog, dead or alive, can log it and easily pinpoint the location on the interactive map. <\/p>\n The form asks for a few basic details about the circumstances of the find but nothing complicated. Details, and the form, are available at irishhedgehogsurvey.com<\/a><\/p>\n Is this an all-island initiative?<\/p>\n