Outcomes, Mortality Causes, and Pathological Findings in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus, Linnaeus 1758): A Seventeen Year Retrospective Analysis in the North of Portugal

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the admission causes, outcomes, primary causes of death, and main lesions observed in the post mortem examinations of Western European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the north of Portugal. The data were obtained by consulting the records from the two main wildlife rehabilitation centers located in the north of Portugal (Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Parque Biologico de Gaia and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro). Over 17 years (2002–2019) a total of 740 animals were admitted. Most of the animals were juveniles, with the highest number of admissions occurring during summer (36.8%) and spring (33.2%). The main reasons for admission were debilitation (30.7%) and random finds (28.4%). Of the total number of individuals admitted to these centers, 66.6% were successfully released back into the wild. The most relevant causes of death were trauma of unknown origin (32.7%), nontrauma causes of unknown origin (26.6%), and nutritional disorders (20.2%). The main lesions observed were related to trauma, including skeletal and skin lesions (fractures, hemorrhages, wounds) and organ damage, particularly to the lungs and liver. The hedgehog is a highly resilient and adaptable animal. The urban environment has many benefits for hedgehogs, yet the presence of humans can be harmful. In the future, the public needs to become even more involved in the activities of the wildlife centres, which will make a positive difference for these populations.

Wildlife Conservation at a Garden Level: The Effect of Robotic Lawn Mowers on European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

“…Injured hedgehogs are frequently admitted to hedgehog rehabilitation centres with different types of cuts and injuries. Some injuries are consistent with known risks to hedgehogs in the form of garden trimmers and dog bites [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. However, although not rigorously quantified, a concern has arisen in several European countries that an increasing number of cases may have been caused by robotic lawn mowers.…”

Trends in intake and outcomes for European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in the Czech rescue centers

“…According to Bearman-Brown et al [ 32 ], the optimum weight of hedgehogs before hibernation is at least 600 g. The issue of underweight hedgehogs not surviving winter is well known to the public, which is why hedgehogs are often brought to rescue centers in this season. Similarly, Garcês et al [ 33 ] reported the most common reason for admission in Portugal to be weakness (30.7%). Hedgehogs may go through periods where they are unsuccessful in finding enough food.…”

“…They found the highest number of admissions of European hedgehogs from July to December. In Portugal, 740 western hedgehogs were admitted to two rescue centers [ 33 ] in the period from 2002 to 2019. There, besides the high admission rates in the summer, an increased intake was also found in the spring months.…”

“…The highest release rate was achieved in hedgehogs admitted to rescue centers after falling into pits and other openings and due to intrusion. Garcês et al [ 33 ] reported a 66.6% release rate at two rescue centers in Portugal. Crespo et al [ 28 ] reported even higher release rate (69%) for hedgehogs admitted to rescue centers in Spain.…”

Trends in wildlife rehabilitation rescues and animal fate across a six-year period in New South Wales, Australia

“…[2,9,11,[21][22][23]). Single species studies are also common [15,[24][25][26][27][28] including those for species with a threatened conservation status [2,13,29,30]). Wildlife rehabilitation data have also been used more broadly for disease surveillance [24,[31][32][33][34], and in animal health science [22,35,36].…”