Hedgehog
Hedgehogs were introduced by European settlers who brought them as a reminder of home and to control garden pests. While they may seem harmless, hedgehogs are voracious nocturnal hunters that cause significant damage to ground-nesting bird populations. They are commonly encountered in Pāuanui gardens, coastal areas, and bush margins.
Impact on Native Wildlife
Hedgehogs are efficient nest predators, eating the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds including dotterels, oystercatchers, and terns. They also consume large quantities of native invertebrates, skinks, and geckos. On braided riverbeds in the South Island, hedgehogs are considered the primary threat to some wading bird populations.
Signs to Look For
Characteristic small cylindrical droppings, often glistening with insect remains. Destroyed nests with smashed eggs. Rustling sounds in leaf litter at night.
Did you know?
Hedgehogs are immune to many snake venoms — a useful trait in their native Europe. But in New Zealand they have no natural predators at all, which is why their populations grow unchecked.
Spotted a Hedgehog?
Report your sighting and help us track predator activity in the area.
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