Hedgehogs in gardens are revealed by hidden cameras after dark

Cameras placed in 415 volunteer gardens across Cheshire detected hedgehogs in 57% of sites, and gardens that provided hedgehog food had higher detection rates (78%). Researchers report that supplementary feeding strongly influenced visits but may carry health and behavioural risks that need further study.

Researchers used cameras in 415 volunteer gardens across Cheshire to study hedgehog visits at night. The team analysed thousands of images to measure detection rates and to identify which garden features influenced visits. Hedgehog numbers have been declining in Europe because of habitat loss and road deaths, so urban and suburban gardens are being examined as potential habitat. The project was led by Nottingham Trent University and Chester Zoo and relied on public volunteers. Key findings: - Hedgehogs were detected in 57% of the gardens surveyed. - Hedgehogs were recorded in 78% of gardens that supplied hedgehog-specific food and in 53% of gardens where bird food was left on the ground. - Presence fell to 46% in gardens where no food was left out. - Just over a quarter (28%) of the gardens surveyed contained food left out for hedgehogs. - Hedgehogs were 70% more likely to be spotted in gardens where foxes were also detected, and cameras captured instances of foxes and hedgehogs sharing food bowls. - Lead researcher Kelly Hitchcock reported that supplementary feeding can alter movement and distribution and may pose risks such as increased disease transmission, altered hibernation patterns, and changes in species interactions. Summary: The study suggests that private gardens can function as important nighttime habitat for hedgehogs and that the provision of supplementary food is strongly associated with their presence. Researchers report that the potential impacts of feeding warrant further investigation, and further studies are planned, including work examining hedgehogs alongside foxes and badgers.