Nighttime Risks for Hedgehogs: Lawn Mower Fatalities Prevalent - Nocturnal robot mowers causing eel demise, particularly in the dark hours
Gardens' Tragedy: Hedgehog Deaths Escalate Due to Mowing Robots, Particularly at Night
Mowing robots, supposed to make lawn maintenance effortless, have unintentionally become a lethal hazard for hedgehogs. These nocturnal creatures do not respond by fleeing but curl up when detecting the robots, leading to a sharp increase in injured hedgehogs.
Julia Stubenbord, the state animal protection officer in Baden-Württemberg, sheds light on this issue, stating that the increase in hedgehog injuries correlates with the growing number of mowing robots. Experts like the German Environmental Aid (BUND) and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) have long advocated for a ban on mowing robots operating at night to protect these vulnerable animals. Cities such as Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt have already implemented this measure.
Suffering and agony often go unnoticed, as injured or killed hedgehogs seek refuge in hedges and bushes, making their plight difficult to detect. Last year, the Institute published disturbing statistics together with hedgehog rescue stations: between June 2022 and October 2023, a total of 370 hedgehogs with cut injuries were reported across Germany. Almost half (47 percent) failed to survive their wounds.
Anne Berger from Leibniz-IZW explains that the majority of these injured hedgehogs were only discovered days or even weeks after the accident, indicating they endured considerable pain and discomfort. In Germany, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is listed as potentially threatened, and its numbers are declining for a variety of reasons, including the increased use of mowing robots.
The Institute warns that such animal suffering is illegal if there are alternatives that do not result in animal suffering. Mowing robot manufacturers acknowledge the risk they pose to hedgehogs. Stihl, for instance, states they have taken steps to minimize this risk during the development of the latest generation of their mowing robots.
However, experts urge caution, questioning if a mowing robot is truly essential. By forgoing one, homeowners can contribute to the well-being of not only hedgehogs but also insects, amphibians, and other animals. Allowing the lawn to grow taller and bloom significantly boosts biodiversity.
- Lawn
- Animal suffering
- Death
- BUND
- Stuttgart
- Baden-Württemberg
- Environment
- Cologne
- Mainz
- Erfurt
[1] Enrichment Data: Mower robots pose a threat to hedgehogs primarily due to three factors: limited low obstacle detection, nighttime operation, and insufficient sensor coverage, especially on the sides and underside of the vehicle. To mitigate these risks, manufacturers are incorporating more advanced sensors and vision systems, providing guidelines for users, and advancing wildlife-friendly designs. Public awareness is also essential to reduce the impact on hedgehogs.
- The community policy, in light of the hedgehog deaths escalating due to mowing robots, should consider implementing restrictions on the operation of mowing robots at night, particularly in areas with a high density of hedgehog populations, to prevent further animal suffering and death.
- To promote a healthier environment and biodiversity, homeowners in cities such as Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt are encouraged to adopt environmental-science practices, such as opting for non-automated mowing methods, allowing their lawns to grow taller, and adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes wildlife conservation and home-and-garden practices that are friendly to hedgehogs.
