natural reserve
Citizens’ help needed: counting campaign for hedgehogs and moles
Observations of moles and hedgehogs can be reported from May 17th to May 27th via the Nabu-Naturgucker online platform. photo
© Agami/T. Douma/blickwinkel/dpa
Moles live underground, hedgehogs are nocturnal. Finding out more about them is not that easy. Researchers rely on the help of citizens.
Observations can be reported via the Nabu-Naturgucker online platform from this Friday (May 17th) until May 27th. The aim is to gain insight into the actual distribution of the animals, according to the German Horticultural Society 1866 (DGG).
This is all the more important because the hedgehog is now on the Red List’s early warning list. Especially in cities, it is difficult for animals to find suitable habitat because of road traffic, robotic lawnmowers and few natural gardens.
Germany-wide campaign
In many regions there are no concrete figures on moles either. Molehills and dead or injured animals should also be counted in the campaign, as the DGG 1822 announced.
The counting campaign took place for the first time last year and will be continued permanently, once in spring and once in autumn. “In this way, long-term population trends and distribution areas should be documented and evaluated,” explained the DGG 1866. The results should also help to improve species protection.
The Germany-wide campaign is a joint project of the Nature Conservation Association of Germany (Nabu), the German Wildlife Foundation, the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, the DGG 1822 and the State Association for Bird and Nature Conservation in Bavaria.
Nabu for the counting campaign