Over-Winter Survival and Nest Site Selection of the West-European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Arable Dominated Landscapes

Abstract

The West-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) has declined markedly in the UK. The winter hibernation period may make hedgehogs vulnerable to anthropogenic habitat and climate changes. Therefore, we studied two contrasting populations in England to examine patterns of winter nest use, body mass changes and survival during hibernation. No between-site differences were evident in body mass prior to hibernation nor the number of winter nests used, but significant differences in overwinter mass change and survival were observed. Mass change did not, however, affect survival rates; all deaths occurred prior to or after the hibernation period, mainly from predation or vehicle collisions. Hedgehogs consistently nested in proximity to hedgerows, roads and woodlands, but avoided pasture fields; differences between sites were evident for the selection for or avoidance of arable fields, amenity grassland and buildings. Collectively, these data indicate that hibernation was not a period of significant mortality for individuals that had attained sufficient weight (>600 g) pre-hibernation. Conversely, habitat composition did significantly affect the positioning of winter nests, such that different land management practices (historic and current) might potentially influence hibernation success. The limitations of this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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

“…However, a different optimum weight before hibernation was reported in other studies. 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%).…”

Juvenile European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at rescue centers and their release rate depending on their weight on admission

“…In the winter and spring months, these may be individuals found out in the open during cold weather. This occurs rarely, however, as hedgehogs are still hibernating in the winter months and at the beginning of spring when temperatures are not suitable for them [ 32 ] and they appear only very rarely in gardens and other open spaces [ 21 , 33 ]. Young hedgehogs admitted to rescue centers in the spring months, i.e.…”

Beneficial Land Management for Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in the United Kingdom

“…During the day, hedgehogs will rest in a nest which provides security and protection from the elements. The nest is also important during winter hibernation [45,46], and for giving birth to young [34]. Nests vary in construction materials and location, but typically comprise broad leaves and or grass constructed in a supporting structure of brambles or hedge [34].…”

“…Nests vary in construction materials and location, but typically comprise broad leaves and or grass constructed in a supporting structure of brambles or hedge [34]. In the UK, the majority of nests are sited within thorny or stinging vegetation, under bramble, holly, hawthorn, or nettles [46][47][48]. Hedgehogs will rest up in any dense vegetation and in summer, may forego the construction of nests and simply sleep in dense vegetation [34].…”

“…In the UK, hibernation usually starts around mid-November and continues through to Mid-March, but the exact timings vary due to local weather conditions, with a mean hibernation period of 149 nights in southern Ireland [12]. Most individuals will become active for short periods over winter, typically in response to warmer temperatures, and on average hedgehogs, will use four to five nests per winter [45,46]. In warmer climates such as Italy, hibernation lasts for two months between January and February [49].…”