Hedgehogs are charismatic creatures that play an essential role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. If you’re fortunate enough to have hedgehogs visiting your garden, you might want to monitor their activities to better understand their behaviour and contribute to their conservation. One effective method for achieving this is by using trail cameras.
Sadly, hedgehog numbers have declined drastically over the past 20 years, and we’ve lost a third of our hedgehogs in the UK. By monitoring hedgehogs, you can contribute to their conservation, gather data for scientific research, and gain a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures.
When selecting a trail camera, the most important feature to look for is crisp, clear night-time video for monitoring hedgehogs’ nocturnal behaviour. Check out example footage of trail cameras online to get a sense of the image quality. This can be viewed via our online shop and YouTube channel.
For a good quality yet budget-friendly camera, consider the NatureSpy Ursus. If you’ve got a little more to spend, consider the Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 for outstanding video quality.
NatureSpy Ursus trail camera sample footage
Browning Recon Force Elite HP5 trail camera sample footage
To ensure your camera trap works effectively, strategic camera placement is crucial. Look for areas in your garden where hedgehogs are likely to pass through, such as near hedges, fences, or natural entry points. Mount the camera on a tree, post or tripod around 20 – 40cm high to capture the hedgehogs’ movements.
Configure your trail camera to suit the hedgehogs’ nocturnal habits. Setting a camera to video mode will capture behaviours. Consider using photo mode if you’re simply wanting to find out if hedgehogs are visiting.
Luring hedgehogs to specific areas within your garden can be an effective monitoring method. Use hedgehog-friendly food, such as wet cat or dog food, or specialised hedgehog food. Place the bait around 1 – 3 metres from the camera to increase the chances of capturing clear footage.
Regularly review the captured footage to gain insights into hedgehog behaviour. Look for patterns in their activity, such as feeding times and preferred routes. Make note of any potential threats or challenges they encounter, such as predators or barriers.
In addition to monitoring, take steps to create a hedgehog-friendly environment in your garden. Provide hedgehog houses or shelters and create access points in impermeable barriers such as fences. Hedgehogs can squeeze through small gaps, just the size of a CD. Create piles of deadwood, which makes homes for insects that hedgehogs rely on as a food source. Minimise the use of pesticides and ensure access to water from ponds or bowls; this is especially important during long, dry periods in the summer.
Spread awareness about the importance of hedgehog conservation among friends, family, and your local community. Share your monitoring experiences and the valuable insights gained from trail camera observations. Encourage others to create hedgehog-friendly spaces in their own gardens.
Consider sharing your findings with local conservation organisations or participating in citizen science initiatives. These collaborations can provide valuable data for research projects and contribute to broader conservation efforts.
Consider supporting hedgehog conservation initiatives such as Hedgehog Street and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. These organisations work tirelessly to protect hedgehog populations, conduct research, and raise awareness. Your contribution can make a significant impact!
Monitoring hedgehogs in your garden using trail cameras is an engaging and effective method to gain insights into their behaviour and contribute to their conservation. By choosing the right equipment, placing cameras strategically, and analysing the captured footage, you can learn valuable information about these enchanting creatures. Remember to collaborate with conservation organisations, enhance hedgehog habitats, educate others, and support conservation initiatives to ensure a brighter future for hedgehogs and their ecosystems.
Article by Ed Snell
