Study

Experimental removal of introduced hedgehogs improves wader nest success

  • Published source details Jackson D.B. (2001) Experimental removal of introduced hedgehogs improves wader nest success. Journal of Applied Ecology, 38, 802-812.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Physically protect nests from predators using non-electric fencing

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Physically protect nests from predators using non-electric fencing

    A small paired site study in 1998 on South Uist, northwest Scotland (Jackson 2001) found that fewer wader nests failed at two sites where fences were erected and hedgehogs Erinaceus europaeus removed, compared to two control, unfenced areas (38% of 52 nests lost, three to hedgehogs vs. 55% of 53 nests failing and 15 to hedgehogs respectively). Therefore, a smaller proportion of failures were attributable to European hedgehogs. Species in this study included the lapwing Vanellus vanellus, dunlin Calidris alpina, redshank Tringa totanus and snipe Gallinago gallinago.  There was no evidence of compensatory predation by other species following hedgehog removal. Fences successfully excluded hedgehogs from one experimental site, but rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus burrows allowed 33 hedgehogs to re-enter the second site.

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