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Hedgehog Protection Push in Sachsen-Anhalt: First Municipalities Consider Nighttime Ban on Lawn Mowers
Several municipalities in the German state of Sachsen-Anhalt are contemplating a nighttime ban on the operation of lawn mowers to protect hedgehogs and other animals. According to a survey by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur, administrations in Halle and Magdeburg are planning to issue corresponding ordinances soon.
The move aims to safeguard the European hedgehog, which has seen its population dwindle for decades, as a city spokesman in Halle announced. The nighttime ban is anticipated to contribute significantly to species protection, also aiding ground frogs and other small creatures. Drago Bock, the city spokesman, stated that the proposed restriction would pose no disproportionate burden on the city administration, being limited to nighttime hours.
Magdeburg's planned ban is prompted by an initiative from the city council. Mayor Simone Borris, an independent politician, wholeheartedly supports the nighttime ban to safeguard hedgehogs and small animals, according to a spokesperson. The ordinance is expected to be issued shortly.
However, many other municipalities have exhibited caution. The district of Anhalt-Bitterfeld appeals to the consideration of individual citizens, while the independent city of Dessau-Roßlau expresses a similar sentiment. Most communities believe their citizens are aware of the advantages of hedgehogs in gardens and feel responsible for their protection. Tangerhütte municipality also notes that enforcing controls would be challenging.
No reported cases of hedgehogs injured by lawn mowers have emerged thus far, and there is no foundation for a comprehensive ordinance, according to several municipalities. Cities such as Cologne and Leipzig have occasionally issued nighttime driving bans for lawn mowers in recent times.
Animal and nature conservationists frequently highlight the potential risks that lawn mowers pose to garden inhabitants. Hedgehogs, lizards, and others may suffer injuries or fatalities from the devices' rotating blades, especially considering hedgehogs tend to curl up instead of fleeing when threatened.
In Germany, there are general regulations aimed at wildlife protection, including guidelines for the preservation of habitat and minimizing human impact, as stipulated by the German Federal Nature Conservation Act. Local municipalities may also implement measures specific to protecting local wildlife. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Sachsen-Anhalt initiatives or regulations concerning hedgehog protection, it is best to consult local government websites or contact the environmental protection agencies directly.
- The nighttime ban on lawn mowers in certain municipalities of Sachsen-Anhalt, such as Halle and Magdeburg, could extend beyond hedgehog protection, as it may also foster a healthier environment for small creatures like ground frogs, contributing to the overall biodiversity within urban landscapes, akin to an integrated environmental-science approach.
- In an effort to promote a community policy that values home-and-garden sustainability and wildlife preservation, vocational training programs could be developed to educate homeowners about the importance of species protection, offering guidance on alternative methods for lawn maintenance that minimize potential harm to hedgehogs and other wildlife, ultimately fostering a lifestyle that prioritizes nature conservation.
