The second floor of an unassuming office building in central Bangkok is a strange place to encounter the world’s largest rodent. Yet here, inside a small enclosure with a shallow pool, three capybaras are at the disposal of dozens of paying customers – all clamouring for a selfie. As people eagerly thrust leafy snacks toward […]
Tag: Hedgehogs
7 weirdest lizards on the planet: These reptiles are so strange they could be from a sci-fi movie – except every one of them is 100% real
Think lizards are boring sunbathers with scales? Think again. From colour-changing chameleons with swivelling eyes to a real-life ‘flying dragon‘ that glides through the air, these bizarre reptiles rewrite the rulebook on weird. One can even squirt toxic blood from its eyeballs with sniper-like precision. Dive into the world of lizards so strange they could […]
Concern over ‘cruel’ fox traps on Black Mountain
A wildlife conservationist has spoken of his “heartbreak” after finding makeshift fox traps on Belfast’s Black Mountain. Aaron Kelly said the traps were made out of old shopping trollies and hidden on privately-owned land overlooking the city. One was baited with a dead magpie on a lever which would slam the trapdoor shut behind any […]
Researchers Find Lead, Plastic Additives and Other Contaminants in Hedgehogs
In a new study, researchers have found a wide range of pollutants in Western European hedgehogs, including heavy metals, plastic additives and more. The researchers from Lund University in Sweden were exploring the levels of heavy metals found in hedgehogs in southern Sweden, following previous research that revealed heavy metal pollution in hedgehogs in urban […]
Hedgehogs ‘near threatened’ on red list after 30% decline over past decade
Hedgehogs are now listed as “near threatened” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list after a decline in numbers of at least 30% over the past decade across much of their range. While hedgehogs were once common across Europe, and were until now listed as of “least concern” on the red list, […]
How to make your garden a hedgehog haven: Gardening experts reveal 5 top tips for attracting the creature who will get rid of pests that feast on your plants
Making gardens not only beautiful, but a safe haven for wildlife has become a top priority for many green-fingered Brits. One such welcome creature is the humble hedgehog – which is great at getting rid of garden pests such as beetles, caterpillars and other invertebrates that like to feast on your plants. However, sadly numbers […]
Warning that robot lawnmowers are killing hedgehogs: Scientists propose must-have garden gadgets come with ‘safety certificates’
Hedgehogs are increasingly being killed and injured from encounters with robot lawnmowers which have few safety features to protect wildlife, according to Oxford University scientists. Researchers conducted a series of tests with the mowers, the latest must-have garden gadget, with a view to create a ‘hedgehog friendly’ certification so gardeners need not fear any prickly […]
Five New Species of Soft-Furred Hedgehogs Discovered
Soft-furred hedgehogs (gymnures) are small mammals that are members of the hedgehog family, but as their common name suggests they are furry rather than spiny. Like spiny hedgehogs, they are not rodents and they have a pointy snout. These small mammals are active during the day and night and are omnivorous, likely eating a diversity […]