Hedgehogs in greater London: Viability of fragmented populations in urban environments

The western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is declining rapidly in the UK and across central Europe. Urban environments are becoming increasingly important habitats for the species, due to higher food availability, increased nesting opportunities, and reduced pressure from predators. Yet, urban environments are very different to natural landscapes, with severe habitat loss and fragmentation posing challenges for the long-term survival of wildlife populations. In London, hedgehog populations are declining and have collapsed in the city centre, with a single remaining population in Regents Park. Understanding the impact of fragmented urban environments on hedgehog populations will be vital for effective conservation management but has been little studied. This project aims to address this knowledge gap, combining ecological and genetic approaches to identify how the urban landscape shapes hedgehog distributions, genetic structure, and connectivity across greater London, providing valuable insights for the future management of this charismatic species in urban environments.