Controversy over Hedgehog Fatalities by Lawn Mower Drones Sparks Discussion on Nighttime Driving Prohibition - Proposal demanded for a workers' ionising radiation safety directive by the Commission.
Garden robotic lawnmowers have become a growing concern for animal welfare as they pose a lethal threat to hedgehogs, according to the state animal welfare officer in Baden-Württemberg, Julia Stubenbord. Hedgehogs, when confronted with these devices, do not move away but curl up instead, leading to a spike in injured hedgehogs.
The Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) in Baden-Württemberg, along with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), are advocating for a night driving ban for these robotic devices. The call follows successful implementation in cities like Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt.
A study by Leibniz-IZW revealed that between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2023, researchers documented 370 cases of cut injuries in hedgehogs. Regrettably, almost half (47%) of the reported animals did not survive the injury. Furthermore, there is a high number of unreported injured or killed hedgehogs because those that can still move often seek refuge in hedges and bushes.
Anne Berger from Leibniz-IZW explains that at least 60% of hedgehogs with cut injuries were found days or even weeks after the accident, indicating they had to endure significant pain for an extended period.
The decline in the hedgehog population is not solely attributable to robotic lawnmowers. A lack of suitable habitats due to the modern agricultural landscape and tidy gardens also plays a role. In addition, hedgehogs often get run over or struggle to find enough food because of the decline in insects.
In Germany, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is on the precaution list of the Red List, and it is classified as "potentially threatened" on the international IUCN Red List. As technology advances and robotic lawnmowers become more advanced, featuring lidar sensors for better navigation and obstacle avoidance, future regulations may incorporate such technological capabilities to reduce the need for night bans, making lawnmowers inherently safer for wildlife.
The community policy must consider implementing a night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers to protect hedgehogs, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and health. This can follow the successful implementation in cities like Cologne, Mainz, and Erfurt, as suggested by the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) and Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW). In addition, the advancement of environmental science should focus on developing robotic-lifestyle solutions that are safe and friendly to the environment, ensuring home-and-garden practices prioritize the safety of endangered species like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).
