How tiny 'backpacks' and sniffer dogs could save hedgehogs from extinction

A new conservation initiative in Northern Ireland is employing innovative methods to protect the western European hedgehog, a species now classified as Near Threatened across the continent. Researchers have begun fitting small GPS devices, described as "tiny backpacks," onto male hedgehogs to monitor their nightly movements, including their routes through urban gardens, feeding habits, and resting spots. Complementing this effort, a specially trained detection dog named Russell, a two-year-old cocker spaniel, is being used to locate hedgehogs that are difficult to track with technology alone. The project, led by Ulster Wildlife, aims to fill critical gaps in understanding how hedgehogs navigate urban environments, which are increasingly becoming their last refuge as rural habitats decline. The GPS trackers provide detailed data on hedgehog behavior without hindering their natural movements, allowing researchers to study their interactions with roads, gardens, and food sources. Russell’s role is twofold: to find hedgehogs that do not visit artificial feeders, thus broadening the data pool, and to locate tagged hedgehogs when GPS signals fail or devices stop working. Hedgehogs have experienced significant population declines since the 1950s, with millions lost due to habitat loss and reduced food availability. The new tracking project is expected to offer vital insights specific to Northern Ireland, helping conservationists develop targeted strategies to protect these small mammals. By combining technology with canine detection, the initiative represents a novel approach to wildlife monitoring that could be crucial in preventing further declines and supporting hedgehog populations across urban and rural landscapes.