Morava in Delmenhorst: Danger for our hedgehogs and other animals!
Morava in Delmenhorst: Danger for our hedgehogs and other animals!
More and more garden owners are relying on the robotic lawnmowers in summer to maintain their lawn without lying hand. These devices are not only comfortable, they also ensure an even cut. But behind this modern garden aid there is a serious problem: robotic lawnmowers can become death traps for many small animals, especially for hedgehogs. According to the Weser Kurier does this not only bring nature conservation in trouble, but also Habitats of the animals.
The lawns such as reptiles, amphibians and small macets, which are cut briefly by the robots of the robots, offer fewer and less living space. Hedgehogs in particular are particularly at risk because they are often surprised by the robots and roll together in the event of danger - in many cases this is the death sentence. Since autumn 2022, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) has been documenting increased hedgehog injuries due to robotic lawnmowers and already found a sudden increase in spring 2023.
injury statistics and risk factors
The situation is alarming: Researchers of the IZW have analyzed over 370 cases of cuts in igles. Almost half (47 %) of the animals affected did not survive the injuries, which increases the urgency of the problem. These injuries are often only discovered hours or days after the incident, which indicates the endangerment of these protected animals. „Die Dunkelziffer könnte noch höher sein, da viele verletzte Tiere unentdeckt bleiben“, erklärt ein wichtiger Bericht von Izw .
Even if robotic lawnmowers are becoming increasingly progressive, they often do not recognize small animals like hedgehogs, which leads to serious injuries. The likelihood that hedgehogs will become victims of such devices increase parallel to the increasing spread of these robots.
an urgent appeal to politics and research
The problem has already brought the volunteers of the hedgehog catchment stations to their limits. These are physically and financially overwhelmed with the increasing number of injuries. Support is urgently demanded, for example by taking over veterinary costs or a ban on robots after dark. This is mainly made possible by the indispensable help from volunteers who want to draw attention to the topic through initiatives such as the" Hedgehog Initiative FRG ".
In view of the climate crisis, the question also arises as to whether the constant mowing of the lawn is up to date. Longer grass protects against drying out and can serve as an important habitat for many animal species. Suggestions for creating a more environmentally friendly garden include the creation of colorful beds from local wild perennials or leaving edible wild herbs. These measures could not only expand the habitats for hedgehogs and other animals, but also help to promote biodiversity and to expand the long term.In northern Germany, the voices that draw attention to this problem are louder. With a good knack for nature and species protection, we can all help protect the endangered hedgehogs and thus also do a small part to maintain our biological diversity.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Ort | Delmenhorst, Deutschland |
| Quellen | |