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Archive for the Q19 Do you love hedgehogs? Category

The Green Cross Code!

A study by scientists at Royal Holloway, University of London shows that roads are very dangerous places for hedgehogs.  They are very poor at dealing with traffic, waiting until a vehicle is about 17m (60ft) away before responding, and even then they freeze rather than try to run away.

The trouble is that hedgehogs find roads attractive places, in part because of their small legs, but also because tarmac is warm and attracts insects - so they get a meal too.

The peril they face may help explain why numbers are down 50% in some areas.  But the ongoing use of once natural countryside for housing and other development, the tidiness of the urban garden, and the reduction of hedges across rural land may also be a factor. 

We love hedgehogs!

african-pygmy-hedgehogs.jpg

African pygmy hedgehogs have joined the list of Britain’s most sought after pets. They are just as cute as a hamster or a guinea pig but have that added ‘wow’ factor.  Brighter in colour than their wild cousins, they are a cross between Algerian and white-bellied hedgehogs. First bred in captivity the USA about 10 years ago, they are now being sold in Britain for up to £150 each.  One breeder has a long waiting list and people prepared to travel hundreds of miles to pick one up.  However, the Tiggywinkles wildlife hospital are concerned about the trend, arguing that hedgehogs belong in the wild and don’t make good pets.   Whatever, your view - We love hedgehogs!

Hey Hedgehog!

In Hertfordshire, country folk used to be known as hedgehogs for their reputation as being slow and sometimes prickly. Well, funny then that a rare blond hedgehog has appeared on the scene.  Named Spike, the hedgehog suffers from a brittle bone disease.  he was brought to South essex Wildlife Hospital with a broken leg, but now three are fractured. He can never be released into the wild.  He’s so pale he’d stand out like a beacon at night to predators.  Poor Spike!

Hogwatch

 A HogWatch Survey has shown a decline in the number of hedgehogs in the UK; they’re down 50% in some areas.  The British Hedgehog Preservation Society suggests that tidier gardens and urbanization are to blame for the fall.  Question 19  

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