Petition for hedgehog help: 5,500 signatures in the Ebersberg district!

Petition for hedgehog help: 5,500 signatures in the Ebersberg district!

In the Ebersberg district there is a breath of fresh air for the secretive spiny animals. The Federal Nature Conservation Association recently launched a sensational signature campaign intended to draw attention to hedgehog rescue. Committed supporters handed over the handover at the district office5,500 signaturesfor the demand for financial help to set up a hedgehog rescue center. Originally we had a goal of3,000 signaturesset, which has now clearly been exceeded. This shows how much the population cares about protecting hedgehogs and that “there is something important”!

Class 3a from Kirchseeon not only appeared with numbers, but also with creative hedgehog masks and posters. It's one thing to talk about the problems, but the children show how important the topic is to them. Sepp Biesenberger, the district chairman of the Federation for Nature Conservation, draws attention to the serious challenges: The number of hedgehogs is falling, and this for several reasons. The use of robotic lawnmowers, the loss of their habitat and insect-unfriendly gardens contribute to this decline.

The location of the hedgehogs

The hedgehogs' situation becomes even more precarious when you consider the other threats. In addition to the extinction of insects due to climate change and toxic environmental conditions, the animals also have to contend with the dangers of road traffic. Volunteer hedgehog rescuers are on the front lines caring for injured or malnourished hedgehogs. This year around200 hedgehogstaken into care, but private foster homes are often overloaded. Many helpers report a high level of stress and the associated costs. With the need for more support, it is becoming increasingly clear that volunteers cannot work alone.

In order to ensure effective help, the petition to District Administrator Niedergesäß calls for funds to be made available for an official hedgehog rescue station. This stationary facility will not only serve as a retreat for the animals, but will also employ an official team to help the hedgehogs recover. The plan is to finance the project through transferable contributions from the district and donations from committed citizens. The creation of a suitable space, security from the veterinary office and the support of a full-time core team are essential demands that arise from the petition.

The need for support

The Nature Conservation Union describes the urgency of these measures as extremely high. The volunteers can no longer fight alone, especially not with the existing legal problems with neighbors and landlords, which often turn out to be a brake on things. “We have to take action together to protect our wildlife,” said Biesenberger. With their signature, the people in Ebersberg show that the support for the hedgehogs is there, and it is time for political support to come.

Another point that the Federal Nature Conservation Association emphasizes is the need for targeted education about the protection of hedgehogs. After all, not all garden owners know how important it is to promote insect-friendly gardens and to rethink the use of robotic lawnmowers. A covered garden can work wonders for the little thorns and should also be seen as part of the solution.

The signature campaign has shown that Ebersberg has a good hand when it comes to protecting local nature. It remains to be seen whether the responsible politicians will comply with the request. However, the Federation for Nature Conservation will do everything in its power to represent the concerns of citizens.

For more information about hedgehog rescue and support options, visit the website Mercury and des Federal Nature Conservation.