Robotic lawnmowers endanger hedgehogs: Altmarkkreis needs immediate measures!

Robotic lawnmowers endanger hedgehogs: Altmarkkreis needs immediate measures!

In recent years, a quiet conflict has developed in local meadows and gardens: although robotic lawnmowers are practical helpers for many garden owners, they pose an acute danger to the local hedgehog population. Not least, this has reignited the debate about a possible ban on driving these devices at night. People's voice reports that the rotating blades of the robots put hedgehogs in mortal danger when they curl up in a frightened situation. Hedgehogs are one of the specially protected species under the Federal Nature Conservation Act, which prohibits harming or killing wild animals of this species.

The situation is worrying: According to the NDR The number of hedgehogs in Lower Saxony is steadily declining, and a decline can also be seen in other federal states. Hedgehogs' night activity in particular makes them particularly vulnerable when robotic lawnmowers work at dusk and in the dark. The Leiferde Species Conservation Center took in 501 injured or weakened hedgehogs last year alone, with many of these injuries being caused by robotic lawnmowers.

Urgent need for action

The NABU Lower Saxony is therefore calling for a nationwide night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers. The trend towards such bans can already be observed in many German municipalities, and not without reason: robotic lawnmowers not only endanger hedgehogs, but also biodiversity by neglecting valuable plants and insects. Fewer insects mean that hedgehogs increasingly turn to snails, which in turn carry parasites. Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation Germany highlights that the robots' sharp blades pose a significant threat to hedgehogs, which are not prey animals.

However, the Altmarkkreis authorities see no need or legal basis for such a night driving ban, while 23 other municipalities in Germany have already introduced corresponding regulations. Some cities such as Göttingen and Hildesheim have issued clear night driving bans, which can punish violations with fines of up to 50,000 euros. This shows that there is a will for change in politics, but committed action is still lacking in some regions.

Tips for hedgehog-friendly gardens

What can garden owners do to protect local hedgehogs? There are some simple measures that can help:

• Einheimische Stauden und Gehölze pflanzen.
• Auf Pestizide und chemische Mittel verzichten.
• Laub, Äste und Gestrüpp als Nistmaterial belassen.
• Durchgänge zu Nachbargärten schaffen.
• Auf Mähroboter und häufiges Mähen verzichten.
• Kräuterrasen anstelle von herkömmlichem Nutzrasen wählen.

Residents are also asked to inform their neighbors about the dangers of robotic lawnmowers for hedgehogs and to campaign for night driving bans in their communities. The protection of these special animals should concern us all, because without them our gardens quickly become quiet.