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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
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- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
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- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
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- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
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- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Key species and habitats // Hedgehogs // Are badgers to blame for the decline in hedgehogs?

Are badgers to blame for the decline in hedgehogs?

A position statement by British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)

A position statement by British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), October 2020.

Nationally, the hedgehog population in Britain has declined over the last thirty years. While badgers may play a role locally, hedgehogs are absent in many areas where there are no badgers and, in areas where nesting and feeding sites are plentiful, the two species co-exist.

Identifying badgers as the primary reason for the fall in hedgehog numbers isn’t backed by the science.

Competition and predation

Badgers are known to kill and eat hedgehogs, but they feed mainly on soil invertebrates, such as earthworms and beetle larvae, which are also favoured by hedgehogs. Competition for the same food, and predation, may result in fewer hedgehogs in areas where badger numbers are high. When foraging, hedgehogs will avoid areas where badgers have recently been active.

Long-term, widespread declines in hedgehog numbers are more likely to be due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss or degradation, and road casualties.

Will culling badgers help hedgehogs?

Culling badgers to control the spread of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) isn’t supported by the scientific evidence. Vaccination of cattle and badgers offers a more effective and humane method of control and, while factors such as habitat loss and road mortality remain, culling badgers is unlikely to save hedgehogs.

A better approach

The conservation of rural hedgehog populations is better achieved by increasing the extent and quality of habitat that supports both hedgehogs and badgers. This could be achieved by restoring and planting more hedgerows, for example, to provide foraging sites and shelter, and managing field margins and grasslands to increase the abundance and diversity of invertebrates.