WWF launches annual hedgehog count to track population decline

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has launched its annual 'hedgehog week' from August 10–16, calling on the public to report sightings of both living and dead hedgehogs. This initiative aims to track the species' distribution as the animal is currently listed as 'vulnerable,' having seen a population decline of approximately 48% over the last twelve years.

Research from Karlstad University has identified mysterious gaps in hedgehog distribution across Sweden. Despite suitable habitats, low densities have been noted in areas north of Gothenburg—specifically in Bohuslän and Dalsland—as well as in regions north of Stockholm toward Uppsala.

Experts suggest that while hedgehogs are becoming more common in residential areas, they are increasingly rare in rural agricultural and forest lands due to a lack of shelter and insect prey. Other contributing factors being investigated include parasites, diseases, environmental toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides, and vehicle collisions.