Robotic lawnmower ban in Erfurt: Protection of hedgehogs now valid!

Robotic lawnmower ban in Erfurt: Protection of hedgehogs now valid!

There is now a night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers in Cologne. This decision was made to protect the vulnerable hedgehogs and other nocturnal animals in their habitat. Jörg Lummitsch, head of the Environment and Nature Conservation Office, explains that the operation of robotic lawnmowers is prohibited half an hour before sunset and half an hour after sunrise. This is intended to offer more security to hedgehogs whose populations are declining. How Erfurt Reportedly, these animals are increasingly found in urban and peripheral areas.

Why at night? Hedgehogs are particularly active in search of food at dusk and at night. But the small spiny animals are particularly at risk when robotic lawnmowers are in use at the same time. In the event of a collision, the hedgehogs curl up and do not try to escape, which can easily injure them. In Leipzig, for example, around 400 hedgehogs are injured by robotic lawnmowers every year, and around 10% of these animals die as a result ZDF reported.

A nationwide issue

The regulation in Cologne follows a growing trend. Similar bans have already been issued in other cities such as Halle, Magdeburg and Leipzig. While the city of Erfurt has issued a general decree that applies to all private, commercial and public areas, the ban ensures that violations result in fines of up to 50,000 euros. This not only brings a certain degree of order, but also shows how important it is to protect this species.

Hedgehogs are particularly protected animals in Germany. The use of robotic lawnmowers at dusk and at night not only poses a risk for hedgehogs, but also for other small animals, as experiences in the Wesel district show. A ban was also imposed there that prohibits the use of the devices at dusk, but unrestricted use is permitted during the day. As the Website of the Wesel district found, this significantly reduces the danger to the animals.

The path to a secure future

These measures are more than just regulations; they are a step in the right direction for nature conservation and ecological balance. Although there are challenges in monitoring compliance with regulations, there are already recommendations when purchasing robotic lawnmowers. Models with sensors that can detect and avoid obstacles are expressly recommended. The environmental organization BUND is also calling for a nationwide night driving ban for robotic lawnmowers.

These new regulations make it clear that the protection of hedgehogs and other small animals is more important than ever. It is hoped that other cities can follow this example and create a more animal-friendly environment. After all, the small spiny animals not only deserve a place in our gardens, but also in our hearts.