Hedgehogs of Europe: Species, Ranges, Habitats, and Conservation Challenges
Whilst researching Hedgehog distribution for another post, I thought it might be worth a blog exploring hedgehogs in Europe, a little further. These spiky insectivores are integral to Europe’s ecosystems, but how many species live here, where are they found, and what challenges do they face? In this post, I explore the four hedgehog species in Europe, their ranges, specific habitat requirements, conservation status, and key threats, drawing on scientific literature for accuracy.
Hedgehog Species in Europe
Western European Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus
Range: Widespread across Western and Central Europe, from the British Isles and Scandinavia through Iberia (Spain and Portugal), France, Germany, and into northern Italy. It extends to the Baltic region but is absent from the far north (e.g., northern Scandinavia) and some Mediterranean islands (Morris, 2006).
Habitat Requirements: Thrives in mosaic landscapes with woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, and suburban gardens. It prefers areas with dense vegetation for cover and abundant invertebrates, avoiding heavily urbanized or intensively farmed regions (Hof et al., 2012). Moist microhabitats, such as near streams or ponds, support prey availability and hydration.
Conservation Status: Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, but populations are declining, notably in the UK and Western Europe. Roos et al. (2012) report a 30% decline in UK populations since the 1990s.
Key Challenges:
Habitat Fragmentation: Agricultural intensification and urban sprawl limit access to food and nesting sites (Huijser, 2000).
Road Mortality: Thousands of hedgehogs are killed annually by vehicles, particularly in the UK (Wembridge et al., 2016).
Pesticide Use: Reduced invertebrate prey due to pesticides impacts food availability (Hof et al., 2012).
Climate Change: Droughts and extreme weather reduce food and water sources, especially in southern regions like Iberia (Rautio et al., 2014).
2. Southern White-Breasted Hedgehog Erinaceus concolor
Range: Occurs in Eastern Europe, from the Balkans (Greece, Serbia) through Turkey, parts of the Middle East, and western Asia. It overlaps with E. europaeus in some areas but dominates in southern and eastern regions (Krystufek & Vohralík, 2001).
Habitat Requirements: Adapts to diverse habitats, including Mediterranean scrublands (maquis), oak woodlands, and semi-arid grasslands. It requires cover for nesting (e.g., rock piles or shrubs) and tolerates drier conditions than E. europaeus due to evolutionary adaptations (Amori et al., 2008).
Conservation Status: Least Concern per the IUCN, but localized declines occur in Turkey and the Balkans due to habitat loss. Population data are less comprehensive than for E. europaeus.
Key Challenges:
Habitat Loss: Urbanization and agriculture degrade scrubland and woodland habitats (Krystufek & Vohralík, 2001).
Climate Extremes: Prolonged droughts, worsened by climate change, reduce prey and water, though E. concolor is better adapted to aridity (Mermod et al., 2009).
Human Disturbance: Coastal tourism development in Mediterranean regions disrupts nesting and foraging (Amori et al., 2008).
3. Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus
Range: Found across Eastern Europe, from Poland and the Czech Republic through the Balkans, Ukraine, and western Russia, extending into the Caucasus. It overlaps with E. concolor in some areas (Bannikova et al., 2006).
Habitat Requirements: Prefers lowland and hilly areas with mixed habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields. It often occurs near rivers or wetlands, which support high invertebrate density, but can inhabit urban fringes (Amori et al., 2008).
Conservation Status: Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations in much of its range, though localised declines occur in modified landscapes. Data are limited compared to E. europaeus.
Key Challenges:
Agricultural Intensification: Monocultures reduce habitat suitability (Hof et al., 2012).
Pollution: Pesticides and industrial runoff in Eastern Europe contaminate prey and water (Bannikova et al., 2006).
Road Mortality: Expanding road networks threaten populations, similar to E. europaeus (Wembridge et al., 2016).
4. North African Hedgehog Atelerix algirus
Range: Native to North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), it occurs in Europe on Spanish Mediterranean islands (e.g., Canary Islands, Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca) and parts of mainland Spain, likely introduced by humans. Its European range is limited to coastal and island regions with mild climates (Amori et al., 2008).
Habitat Requirements: Prefers warm, dry habitats like Mediterranean scrub, coastal dunes, and gardens. It requires cover (e.g., shrubs or stone walls) and access to invertebrates but is highly adaptable to human-modified landscapes, including urban areas (Mori et al., 2017).
Conservation Status: Least Concern by the IUCN, with stable populations in its native and introduced ranges. However, its impact as an introduced species in Spain is understudied.
Key Challenges:
Invasive Species Concerns: In Spain, A. algirus may compete with native E. europaeus for resources, though evidence is limited (Mori et al., 2017).
Habitat Degradation: Urbanization and tourism development on Spanish islands threaten coastal habitats (Amori et al., 2008).
Climate Change: Extreme heat and droughts in Mediterranean regions may stress populations, despite their arid-adapted physiology (Mermod et al., 2009).
The western European hedgehog in lush wet grassland in Scotland typical of the species habitat requirements.
Comparing Habitat Needs and Adaptations
Each species’ habitat preferences reflect regional adaptations. E. europaeus favors cooler, wetter climates, making it vulnerable to drought in southern Europe, including Iberia. E. concolor, adapted to Mediterranean aridity, uses scrublands and aestivates during extreme heat (Krystufek & Vohralík, 2001). E. roumanicus thrives in diverse lowland habitats, showing resilience in disturbed areas. A. algirus, suited to warm, dry environments, exploits human-modified landscapes but depends on cover and prey availability (Mori et al., 2017). High-quality habitats with vegetation, water, and invertebrates are critical for all species, while fragmentation exacerbates threats (Hof et al., 2012).
Conservation Challenges and Outlook
The main threats including habitat loss, road mortality, pesticides, and climate change vary across species. E. europaeus faces significant declines in Western Europe due to intensive agriculture and urbanization. E. concolor and E. roumanicus experience localised losses from habitat degradation and pollution, particularly in southern and eastern Europe. A. algirus, while stable, raises concerns as a potential invasive species in Spain, where it may impact E. europaeus (Mori et al., 2017). Climate change, with increasing droughts and heatwaves, threatens all species, even arid-adapted E. concolor and A. algirus (Rautio et al., 2014). Road mortality remains a universal issue, exacerbated by expanding infrastructure (Wembridge et al., 2016).
Conclusion
Europe’s four hedgehog species Erinaceus europaeus, E. concolor, E. roumanicus, and Atelerix algirus inhabit diverse regions, from Iberia’s woodlands to Mediterranean islands’ scrublands. Each faces unique threats, but habitat quality is key to their survival. By addressing habitat loss, road mortality, and climate challenges, we can ensure these nocturnal wanderers continue to thrive.
References
Amori, G., et al. (2008). Erinaceus concolor and Atelerix algirus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Bannikova, A. A., et al. (2006). Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Erinaceus. Zoological Journal, 85(4), 512–520.
Hof, A. R., et al. (2012). Habitat fragmentation reduces hedgehog survival in agricultural landscapes. Animal Conservation, 15(4), 395–403.
Huijser, M. P. (2000). Life history consequences of habitat fragmentation for hedgehogs. Lutra, 43(1), 39–46.
Krystufek, B., & Vohralík, V. (2001). Mammals of Turkey and Cyprus: Insectivora. Knjižnica Annales Majora.
Mermod, C., et al. (2009). The effects of drought on invertebrate communities and hedgehog diet. Ecological Entomology, 34(5), 567–575.
Mori, E., et al. (2017). Distribution and potential impact of the North African hedgehog in the Balearic Islands. Biological Invasions, 19(6), 1745–1754.
Morris, P. A. (2006). The new hedgehog book. Whittet Books.
Rautio, A., et al. (2014). Torpor and thermoregulation in hedgehogs during drought. Physiological Zoology, 87(3), 456–465.
Roos, S., et al. (2012). Decline of the hedgehog in the UK. Mammal Review, 42(2), 99–113.
Wembridge, D. E., et al. (2016). The state of Britain’s hedgehogs 2015. British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
