The district of Groß-Gerau protects hedgehogs and other endangered wild animals
To protect hedgehogs and other endangered animals, robotic lawnmowers may no longer be used at night in the Groß-Gerau district. The district has implemented a corresponding general order issued by the Lower Nature Conservation Authority (UNB).
The ban is in effect from 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise. It affects all municipalities in the Groß-Gerau district, with the exception of the city of Rüsselsheim, which is not under the jurisdiction of the district's Lower Nature Conservation Authority.
The basis for this is a resolution passed by the district council in June with a large majority. Owners of robotic lawnmowers must now program their devices so that they no longer operate during night and twilight hours.
Rotating blades can be dangerous for wildlife
Robotic lawnmowers operate autonomously within defined lawn areas. However, these devices can pose a danger to many nocturnal and crepuscular animals. Hedgehogs are particularly vulnerable, as they don't flee when threatened but instead curl up into a ball. This can lead to them being seriously injured or killed by the rotating blades.
The population of the European hedgehog has been declining for years. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now classifies the species as "near threatened". Besides habitat loss, road traffic, and pesticides, robotic lawnmowers are also considered an increasing risk.
According to the Federal Nature Conservation Act, hedgehogs are among the specially protected animal species. They may not be captured, injured, or killed. Besides hedgehogs, other ground-dwelling animals such as newts, toads, or salamanders can also be endangered by robotic lawnmowers.
Studies by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) have shown that numerous robotic lawnmower models do not reliably recognize hedgehogs as obstacles. Smaller young hedgehogs, in particular, are often missed by sensors. Wildlife rescue centers also repeatedly report serious injuries caused by robotic lawnmowers.
Natural gardens as important habitats
The Lower Nature Conservation Authority also appeals to gardeners to design their gardens in a way that is as close to nature as possible. Green spaces with native plants, hedges, and retreat areas offer important habitats for numerous animal species.
As natural features such as field margins, hedges, and fallow land increasingly disappear from the landscape, near-natural gardens are gaining importance as substitute habitats. Hedgehogs, amphibians, reptiles, and numerous insect species benefit from this.
Further information and the complete general decree can be found at the Groß-Gerau district website: www.kreisgg.de.
(DISTRICT OF GROSS-GERAU – RED/PSKGG)
