Hedgehog

A hedgehog is a small, brown to grey insectivorous mammal with a spiny coat. It eats native invertebrates and can carry bovine TB.

Description

• Dispersed by movement with a home range of 1.4km2 and by human-induced releases.
• Habitats include forests, scrublands, sand dunes, urban areas, plantations, pastures, and orchards.

What you need to know

Biodiversity threat that eats large quantities of native invertebrates as well as ground-nesting birds' eggs and small reptiles. Vector for a variety of diseases, including bovine TB.

Management approach

Community Led

These organisms have not been legally declared as pests but may be of interest to the public as they occur regularly in the environment. They may be capable of causing adverse effects to the values of Waitaha/Canterbury.

Consider removing this invasive species from your property.

Control

Monitoring techniques include tracking tunnels, scat, and sightings, especially at night with a spotlight/torch.

For more information on controlling hedgehogs, visit the Department of Conservation website.