Galway researchers are at the forefront of a major new citizen science project aimed at protecting one of Ireland’s most beloved wild animals, as the public is invited to take part in the inaugural Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count.
The nationwide survey, which begins on Monday, June 8, is being led by Hedgehog Conservation Ireland in partnership with researchers from the University of Galway and the University of Oxford. Organisers are encouraging people across Galway and the rest of Ireland to watch for hedgehogs in gardens, parks, farms, housing estates, campuses and other green spaces and report sightings online.
The initiative aims to create the most comprehensive picture yet of Ireland’s hedgehog population, helping scientists identify areas where the species is thriving and where numbers may be under pressure.
Members of the public can submit sightings through the Irish Hedgehog Survey website at www.irishhedgehogsurvey.com
The project places Galway at the heart of efforts to better understand and protect the species. University of Galway researcher Elaine O’Riordan, who leads the Irish Hedgehog Survey, said community participation will be essential to the success of the count.
“Public participation is vital because hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, and monitoring them on a large scale would be impossible without community support,” she said.
“People across Ireland can make a real contribution to hedgehog conservation simply by reporting sightings. Every record helps us understand where hedgehogs are living and how populations are changing over time. Gardens and green spaces are becoming increasingly important refuges for wildlife, and we’re encouraging everyone to keep an eye out during the count week.”
Hedgehogs play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, helping to naturally control insects, slugs and other garden pests. However, conservationists are increasingly concerned about their long-term future.
The species is believed to be facing challenges from habitat loss, road traffic, pesticide use and changing land-use practices. Across Europe, hedgehogs are now classified as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN ) Red List.
Recent studies have indicated significant declines in hedgehog populations across parts of western Europe, highlighting the importance of gathering reliable data through public reporting schemes.
Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen of the University of Oxford, widely known as “Dr Hedgehog”, said anyone can take part in the count, even if they do not have access to a garden.
“If you do not have a garden yourself, you can look for hedgehogs in the local park, or travel to the forest or the countryside,” she said.
“And if you are young and cannot stay up late when the hedgehogs become active, you can also report road-killed hedgehogs — every record counts and helps us build a better understanding of where hedgehogs are found.”
She also urged people not to disturb the animals during the survey period.
“It is very important that we do not disturb the hedgehogs during the count. We do not want to risk any nests being disrupted or stressing the animals. Please wait for hedgehogs to appear naturally on the lawn when they become active at dusk and admire them from a distance.”
Organisers hope the Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count will not only provide valuable scientific information but also inspire communities to make gardens and public spaces more wildlife-friendly.
The Great Big All-Ireland Hedgehog Count is expected to become an annual event.
