The European hedgehog is probably one of the most familiar of Ireland’s mammals. However, while research has taken place on this species elsewhere, no research has been carried out on the ecology of the hedgehog in Ireland. This project aims to investigate rural habitat use, as well as the population density of this species in the rural areas. It is hoped that this will provide an insight into the factors affecting hedgehog distribution in Ireland. Twenty-two animals have currently been monitored by attaching radio transmitters and following their movements at night. Already very interesting differences have been observed in the hedgehog’s behaviour here in comparison to its European counterparts. As a protected species under Appendix 3 of the Berne Convention and under The Wildlife Acts (1976) (2000) and with recent declines recorded in their numbers in the UK (Dowling, 2006) the need to rectify the gaps that we currently have on the hedgehog in Ireland have never been more important. It is hoped that knowledge gained from this research will be of benefit to future management strategies to conserve this unique and much loved mammal.

ZEPS hedgehog research to be featured in “Living the Wildlife” (19.00, Tuesday 18^th May 2010)

The photo shows an adult female hedgehog with colour markers for easy identification.

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