Why are Hedgehogs is Important

Naturally, all living things on Earth, even slugs, are unique and should be allowed to enjoy their lives as nature intended.  We must assist hedgehogs, who are in decline.  However, many other animals are in a similar predicament.  So why do people pay so much attention to the hedgehogs in our gardens?  What makes hedgehogs significant?  Here are just some of the compelling arguments.

1. Uniquely Prickly

The only spiky mammal in the UK is the hedgehog.  It is a special kind of defence.  The hedgehog’s prickly covering of more than 5000 spines keeps her safe, whereas other animals have evolved camouflage, the capacity to flee from predators, or the ability to fight back with fangs and claws.

 Through the ages, those spines have performed well.  That badger is the only mammal in the UK capable of taking down a healthy adult hedgehog.  Unfortunately, however, spines are not a defence against a strimmer or a moving car.

 However, hedgehogs’ spines provide more than only defence against predators.  They also serve other practical purposes, such as shock absorbers and buoyancy aids.

2. Hibernation Fascination

Only three creatures in the UK hibernate, including hedgehogs.  Dormice and bats are the other two.

In order to survive the winter months when food supplies are limited, hedgehogs hibernate.  Sleep and hibernation are quite different.  In order to preserve resources, the hogs’ body processes slow down to nearly a halt in this state of nearly suspended animation.

Another of the hedgehogs’ ancient characteristics is hibernation, which is beginning to receive significant scientific interest.

Scientists are currently investigating the potential applications of hibernation in humans to support space flight or aid in the healing process following severe bodily harm.

Hedgehogs and humans appear to have similar physical requirements for hibernation.  Additionally, there is some evidence that suggests early humans may have hibernated similarly to hedgehogs in order to survive the hard winters, even if we don’t employ it today.

In preparation for hibernation, a hedgehog will consume 20% of her body weight in food in a single session.  That’s the same as 112 quarter-pounders in one supper for the average male.  It makes me wonder what future astronaut training would entail!

3. Snake Charmers

The capacity of hedgehogs to withstand the effects of venom is another unexpected adaptation.  Bites from snakes—pah!  Who gives a damn?

 The adder is currently the only venomous snake in the United Kingdom.  The length of an adult adder ranges from two to three feet.  Although it’s not a small snake, it’s still unlikely that it could pierce an adult hedgehog’s spines.  Thus, perhaps the issue doesn’t arise as much for hedgehogs in the UK.  However, hedgehogs face more formidable slitherers worldwide, and there is ample proof that the hogs are resistant to poison.

Hedgehogs are far less impacted by venom than other mammals of comparable size, even if they are not entirely immune to its effects.  Additionally, their protection is significantly increased when they are bitten when hibernating.

 What do they do?  Erinacin, a macroglobulin proteinase inhibitor, has been discovered through studies of hedgehog muscle plasma to reduce the potency of venom.  It should come as no surprise that science finds this part of the hedgehog to be quite intriguing.

Why do they do it?  There is conjecture that the hedgehog’s ability to eat a variety of foods may be the main benefit of this adaptation.  Snakes are not the only venomous creatures.  Some spiders, frogs, and toads can also inject poison.  The hedgehog can consume these without experiencing any negative consequences.  They may even consume sluggish worms and tiny snakes.

4. Part of The Ecosystem

Hedgehogs are a component of the environment, much like all other creatures.  And each component of the ecosystem—plants, animals, trees, landscapes, and weather—has a vital role to perform.  Nature’s Jenga is a balancing act, and removing one piece might bring the entire thing toppling.

 You might argue that we are discussing hedgehogs, not wolves.  In actuality, however, we are unsure about hedgehogs’ ecological function.  We cannot fully comprehend the interrelationships because they are too intricate.  However, we can be certain that their function is essential to preserving the equilibrium on which all life, including human life, depends.

5. Indicator Species

The fact that our hedgehogs are indicator species is among their most significant traits.  They serve as a gauge for the condition of our immediate surroundings.

 Hedgehogs aren’t picky, rely on more than one food source, or suffer from minor weather variations like some other species.   Because they are adaptable and have a diversified diet, hedgehogs may live contentedly in a variety of settings.

It’s fair to expect that other animals will flourish when hedgehogs are.  The local ecology is doing nicely.  A healthy hedgehog population is a sign of a healthy habitat diversity, an abundance of invertebrates, and the interconnectedness of the natural world.  Not just hedgehogs, but a wide variety of creatures depend on these things.

 In regions of the UK where hedgehog populations are declining, such as today, this is probably because of diminishing and fragmented habitat and a lack of invertebrates.  All of these elements point to a generally unhealthy environment that will eventually affect other animals, including humans.