Nighttime Peril Posed by Lawnmower Igel: Potential Fatal Hazard - Robots Mowing Down Eels, Primarily at Night: A Fatal Incident
Gardens across the nation are adopting mowing robots for a hassle-free approach to lawn maintenance, but these devices may inadvertently endanger a species: hedgehogs. As nightfall sets in, these nocturnal creatures are unaware of the danger and instead curl up rather than fleeing. This behavior has led to a surge in injured hedgehogs, as explained by Julia Stubenbord, Baden-Württemberg's state animal protection officer.
Experts from the German Federal Environmental Agency (BUND) and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), among others, have advocated for a restriction on nighttime mowing robot operation. Cities such as Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt have already enacted such regulations.
In 2022-2023, the reported injury rate for hedgehogs nationwide during the mowing season reached 370, with nearly half (47%) not surviving. Moreover, a high number of injured or deceased animals go unreported as hedgehogs typically seek refuge in hedges and bushes after mishaps. Most of the injured hedgehogs were found days or even weeks afterwards, forcing them to endure extended periods of suffering.
According to Anne Berger from Leibniz-IZW, such animal suffering is legally forbidden if alternative measures exist that do not cause harm. The decline of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), found on the watchlist of the Red List, is not solely due to the rise of mowing robots. Modern agricultural landscapes and tidy gardens offer insufficient habitats for these creatures, contributing to their struggle to survive.
Manufacturers such as Stihl have acknowledged the potential risks mowing robots pose to hedgehogs and have taken steps to reduce associated injuries. While the default mowing plans of these devices do not include night activation, users can program night activation through their mower app. However, they receive a warning about the potential harm to small animals.
According to the German Wildlife Foundation, an increased awareness among users and improved navigation technologies such as AI can potentially mitigate the adverse effects of mowing robots on wildlife. Some manufacturers, such as Segway Navimow, incorporate AI-assisted mapping and smart location features to optimize mowing while minimizing risks to wildlife. Husqvarna offers specific advice and care tips to robotic lawn mower owners on how to avoid harming hedgehogs.
In conclusion, manufacturers are taking steps to protect hedgehogs and other small animals from mowing robot-related injuries by integrating technology and offering guidance on safe operating practices. The public must be vigilant and informed to ensure the well-being of these valuable species in our gardens.
- To protect hedgehogs and other small animals from injuries caused by mowing robots, manufacturers are integrating technology, such as AI-assisted mapping and smart location features, into their devices.
- The widespread adoption of mowing robots in gardens across the nation has led to an increase in injured hedgehogs, prompting calls for restrictions on nighttime operations and enhanced user awareness on the potential harm to small wildlife.
