Common wild animal faces threat of extinction
What animal is added to red list (illustrative photo: Freepik)
Some wild animals, like hares, hedgehogs, and foxes, often settle near human dwellings for easy access to food. However, a common species was recently added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List, according to The Guardian.
The European or Western European hedgehog, once widely spread across Europe, has now been placed at risk of extinction.
Despite its vast range, the European hedgehog has now entered the IUCN's Red List, which informs national Red Books. This prickly creature is currently classified as "near threatened." Over the past decade, their numbers have declined by at least 30% across most of their range.
Abi Gazzard from the IUCN notes that data reveal a worrying and widespread decline. However, gaps remain in understanding their distribution and population.
The hedgehog is on the red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (photo: Freepik)
The European hedgehog is not the only species at risk; one in four mammal species in the UK faces extinction, while many others are in decline.
Recently, four species of British coastal birds have also been flagged as at risk. These birds migrate to the UK from colder climates in winter, rest, and then return to their breeding grounds in spring.
Among the birds added to the list is the gray plover, whose population has declined by more than 30% worldwide since the late 1990s.
The number of the dunlins has declined sharply and it has been moved to the "near threatened" category, and the number of the curlew sandpipers has declined by more than 30% globally since the late 2000s.
Still, experts believe there's hope to halt the decline of the Western European hedgehog.
Why hedgehog populations have declined
Hedgehogs were once widespread across Europe and listed as "least concern," but urbanization, intensive agriculture, and road networks have disrupted their habitats, contributing to their endangerment. Factors such as traffic collisions, pesticide use, and poor garden maintenance also harm hedgehog populations. Pesticides kill the insects hedgehogs rely on and may poison the hedgehogs directly.
The Mammal Society urges people to adopt wildlife-friendly agricultural practices to support diverse species. Suggestions include leaving small gaps in fences to allow hedgehogs to roam between gardens, avoiding pesticides, and refraining from burning leaves and brush, which can shelter hedgehogs.
By the way, earlier we wrote about the smallest frog in the world.
