Guidance for Surveying Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are notoriously difficult to study, particularly as they are nocturnal and so typically only active at night. They usually frequent habitats where access can be limited (i.e. urban areas) or they can be difficult to detect due to their association with dense vegetation. It’s therefore challenging to get accurate population estimates for the species.
This guide outlines the key survey methods that are currently used for hedgehog research with some recommendations for implementation for undergraduate, postgraduate or professional study. This is just an overview and further guidance should be sought in the recommended literature.