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Robotic Lawn Mowers Pose Deadly Threat to Hedgehogs: Calls for Night-Time Ban Intensify
In a growing concern for animal welfare, the use of robotic lawn mowers is causing a surge in the injury and deaths of hedgehogs. According to Julia Stubenbord, the state animal protection officer in Baden-Württemberg, these machines pose a significant threat as hedgehogs do not move away but curl up when approached, resulting in serious or fatal injuries.
The Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) in Baden-Württemberg and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) are advocating for a night-time driving ban for these robotic devices. Cities like Cologne, Mainz, and Erfurt have already implemented such a ban.
The Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research reported in 2024 that from the end of June 2022 to the end of October 2023, they documented 370 cases of cut injuries in hedgehogs, with nearly half not surviving the injury. A large number of injured or dead animals continue to go unreported, as hedgehogs - being nocturnal - flee to safety after being hit.
Hedgehog populations are declining due to several factors, including insufficient habitat and the rapid decline in insects. In Germany, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is on the pre-warning list of the Red List, and it is classified as "potentially threatened" on the international Red List of the World Conservation Union (IUCN).
To address the issue, experts are actively working on making robotic lawnmowing hedgehog-safe. This includes the use of crash tests with hedgehog dummies, emergency brake assistants, and the implementation of night bans. These measures are being discussed at national and international conferences, indicating ongoing collaboration and commitment to wildlife protection.
The effectiveness of night driving bans and additional protection measures is under evaluation. Night bans are seen as a direct way to reduce hedgehog mortality, while crash tests, emergency brake assistants, and advanced sensors are being integrated into newer robotic mowers to improve obstacle detection and emergency braking. Public awareness and education on hedgehog safety and responsible mower usage are also priorities.
The combination of regulation, innovation, and public awareness is expected to further decrease wildlife risks in the future, ensuring the survival of Germany's endangered European hedgehog population.
- The environmental protection community is urging for stricter regulations in the use of robotic lawnmowers, particularly a night-time ban to reduce the threat to endangered hedgehog populations.
- The environmental-science community is collaborating with the home-and-garden industry to make robotic lawnmowers hedgehog-safe, through crash tests, emergency brake assistants, and night bans, aiming to reduce environmental damage and protect wildlife.
