The Irish hedgehog is one of the country’s most recognisable mammals and a familiar sight in gardens, parks, and hedgerows. Yet across Europe the species is experiencing serious population declines, raising concern among researchers and conservationists.
In Ireland, new initiatives and nationwide surveys are beginning to shed light on how hedgehogs use the landscape and what may be driving changes in their numbers.
What Are Irish Hedgehogs? History and Current Threats
The Irish hedgehog is one of the most recognisable mammals in Ireland. Their distinctive spines cover the back and sides, while their face, chest, belly, throat, and legs are covered with coarse grey-brown fur. Spines serve as their primary defence. When threatened, hedgehogs curl into a tight ball, exposing only the spiny exterior.
Hedgehogs are found throughout Ireland. But across Western Europe, populations are in decline. In Britain, rural hedgehog numbers have fallen by up to 75% over the past 20 years, and 30% urban areas. Across Europe, populations have decreased between 16–33% due to habitat loss, pesticides, and road traffic. The species is now classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List.
In Ireland, hedgehog numbers are under pressure. A primary source of decline is habitat loss. Hedgehogs depend on hedgerows, scrublands, and woodland edges for nesting and foraging. Changes in land use, intensive agriculture, and landscape simplification have reduced these critical habitats.
The Hedgehog’s Importance to Irish Ecosystems
Hedgehogs are key insectivores in Irish ecosystems. They eat slugs, snails, and other invertebrates. They help regulate garden pests and maintain ecological balance. Their presence in hedgerows and gardens supports invertebrate diversity. This, in turn, sustains a wider web of species.
Hedgehogs are one of the few Irish mammals that undergo true hibernation. From October to March, they enter a period of dormancy. They hibernate in nests made from leaves, log piles, or even garden structures.
Where Do Irish Hedgehogs Live?
While hedgehogs are adaptable, they favour habitats with dense undergrowth, hedges, and scrub. Unlike other mammals that build a secure permanent home, the day nests of hedgehogs are flimsy structures designed for short-term use. They are often found in hedgerows, abandoned silage bales, rabbit burrows, stonewalls, or sheds.
Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments. Urban and suburban areas that provide gardens, parks, and green spaces can support higher hedgehog densities compared to intensively farmed rural areas.
Male hedgehogs in Ireland have annual ranges of about 56 hectares, while females cover roughly 16 hectares. During the breeding season, males expand their range. But unfortunately, that contributes to an increasing risk of road deaths. Breeding occurs between April and July, with litters of three to six young.
Protecting the Irish Hedgehog
Conservation efforts are urgently needed. The Irish hedgehog is protected by the Wildlife Act (1976) and Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. But legal protection alone is not enough.
Actions to make urban areas hedgehog-friendly include:
- Leave small sections of gardens wild, with log or leaf piles.
- Provide gaps in fences and open gates to allow hedgehog movement.
- Avoid chemicals and slug pellets that are harmful to hedgehogs.
- Cover open drains and provide safe passage across neighbourhoods.
The Irish Hedgehog Survey is playing a key role in conservation. Since 2021, the survey has collected over 10,000 records from the public. This helps researchers track hedgehog distribution and population trends throughout Ireland. With this information, conservationists and policymakers can create strategies to help the Irish hedgehog.
Irish Hedgehog Surveys with Southern Scientific
Hedgehogs are vital to Ireland’s ecosystems, but their populations are under pressure from habitat loss and urbanisation. At Southern Scientific, our qualified ecologists provide expert wildlife surveys and environmental assessments to help protect hedgehogs while ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
We work with developers, landowners, local authorities, and conservation groups, offering tailored surveys, practical guidance, and start-to-finish support. Understanding where hedgehogs live and how they use the landscape is the first step in safeguarding this iconic species and supporting the success of your project.
