Abstract
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a species found in abundance throughout Europe. Nevertheless, it has seen a decline in some regions. This study aimed to analyze trends in intake and outcomes for hedgehogs admitted into rescue centers in the Czech Republic. In the period from 2010 to 2019, 16,967 European hedgehogs were admitted in 34 rescue centers in the Czech Republic. Most hedgehogs were admitted in September (25.30%) and October (22.14%), the fewest in March (0.96%). Most admitted hedgehogs were hoglets (59.49%). The treatment was successful in 44.39% of admitted hedgehogs; those were subsequently released into the wild. On average, they stayed in rescue centers for 48.77 days (median of 30 days). Death or euthanasia was an outcome for 25.27% and 3.15% of admitted hedgehogs, respectively. Only 0.59% of the hedgehogs remained in captivity with a permanent handicap. The highest release rate was achieved in hedgehogs admitted after falls into pits and other openings (83.19%), whereas the least success was achieved in poisoned hedgehogs (13.21%). An increasing trend (rSp = 0.9273, p < 0.01) was found in the number of hedgehogs admitted to rescue centers during the monitored period. Furthermore, not all of them required human care. Given the fact that less than a half of the admitted hedgehogs could be released, raising public awareness of this issue could help to avoid unnecessary interventions (especially in hoglets).
Highlights
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a terrestrial nocturnal mammal living in the area stretching from the British Isles to Western and Central Europe [1] and partly in Northern Europe and Russia [2]
During the period from 2010 to 2019, a total of 16,967 European hedgehogs were admitted to 34 rescue centers in the Czech Republic
A rising trend was found in the number of European hedgehogs admitted to the rescue centers in the Czech Republic
Summary
The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a terrestrial nocturnal mammal living in the area stretching from the British Isles to Western and Central Europe [1] and partly in Northern Europe and Russia [2]. It is one of the two species of hedgehogs living in the Czech Republic and it is assumed to be more common than its relative, the Northern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus roumanicus) [3]. The European hedgehog has been introduced to several other European islands and New Zealand [4].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
