Hedgehog population endangered by robotic lawnmowers

Autonomous lawnmowers pose an additional threat to the already endangered hedgehog population, and questions are being asked in Luxembourg about whether restrictions on automated lawnmowers could help protect the animals.

In some German cities, including Cologne and Leipzig, a nightly ban on robotic lawnmowers has been in place since October 2024, with users prohibited from programming the machines to run between sunset and sunrise, the main period when hedgehogs are active.

In a statement to parliament, Serge Wilmes, Luxembourg’s environment, climate and biodiversity minister, did not commit to making a similar move in the Grand Duchy, but instead opened the door for local councils to take action.

“A legal analysis would have to be carried out to determine whether and how such a ban would be enforceable in Luxembourg,” Wilmes, wrote in response to a parliamentary question on Monday from MP Nancy Kemp-Arendt.

“As the honourable member rightly says, in Germany this has not been implemented at the level of the national government or [by] state governments, but at the level of the municipalities,” Wilmes noted.

Hedgehogs endangered

Hedgehogs promote biodiversity, help preserve natural ecosystems and are efficient bug hunters, according to UK animal welfare NGO the RSPCA . However, with the loss of natural habitat, as well as the falling number of insects – which are the primary food source of hedgehogs – their population has been declining all over Europe. Hedgehogs are classed as vulnerable to extinction in Great Britain and are on the IUCN red list of threatened species.

When faced with danger, hedgehogs defent themselves by curling up into a ball with their protective spikes facing outwards. Their spikes do little to help them, however, against the dangers posed by traffic, the increasing use of pesticides, or the sharp blades of lawnmowers.

The lawnmower threat

Autonomous robotic lawnmowers – that work on a similar principle to robot vacuum cleaners – do not always detect small animals with their sensors, making them a threat to many small animals. Hedgehogs are especially endangered because they do not flee the coming threat but rather curl up to use their spikes as protection. What works against animal predators does not help to prevent the severe injuries caused by the sharp blades of the lawnmowers. If they do not die of their injuries right away, infected wounds often lead to a slower and more painful death for the animals.

Helping to protect the hedgehog population

Proponents say the easiest way to prevent hedgehog deaths is to make sure robot lawnmowers are only used during the daytime, thereby protecting the nocturnal animals.

There is no specific awareness-raising action planned in Luxembourg, according to Wilmes, but the environment ministry “supports” organisations that promote “more biodiversity-friendly mowing methods”.

Homeowners who want to keep hedgehogs safe, can take steps (in addition to programming robotic lawnmowers to only run during the day) to make their garden hedgehog-friendly:

Leaf Piles: Create a leaf pile in a corner of your garden in the autumn, instead of throwing leaves away – this offers them a natural shelter and protection during hibernation.

Food and Water: When natural food sources are limited, hedgehogs will gladly eat food provided by people, such as meat-based cat or dog food. A fresh water supply is important for them as well.

Open fences: By creating small gaps or holes in your fence you allow animals to travel freely across their territories as they roam in search of food.

No chemicals: Using pesticides or other chemicals poses a threat to the animals’ health. They are efficient insect hunters, so by refraining from chemical usage you not only protect hedgehogs but also save money.

Source: Bund Naturschutz in Beyern