Science · 1 August 2026
How can one hedgehog death collapse a population?
Small hedgehog populations of fewer than 15 animals could halve within two years if roadkill continues at rates researchers measured, Nottingham Trent University found. Lead author Dr Lauren Moore's team walked 838 kilometres and logged 269 surveys over 18 months, published in Animal Conservation. Traffic causes 38 to 41 percent of recorded hedgehog deaths, and researchers recommend 13cm gaps in fences, called hedgehog highways.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs