Dr Hedgehog and the Robot Lawnmowers

Researchers led by the University of Oxford have developed a new test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. They hope this will lead to a certification scheme that will allow consumers to choose ‘hedgehog-friendly’ mowers to help protect these lovable mammals.

Learn more here: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-01-16-researchers-develop-hedgehog-safety-test-robotic-lawnmowers

Lead researcher Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen (University of Oxford), also known as ‘Dr Hedgehog’, said: ‘There is an urgent need to identify and phase out models of robotic lawnmowers that pose a threat to hedgehogs. Our new standardised safety test will greatly aid hedgehog conservation, by enabling manufacturers of robotic lawnmowers to ensure their models are “hedgehog friendly” before they are put on the market.’


Thanks:

Stihl
https://www.stihl.co.uk/en
Husqvarna
https://www.husqvarna.com/
British Hedgehog Preservation Society
https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/
Happy Hedgehog Rescue, Yateley

Additional footage:

Stihl
Husqvarna
Alan Allsopp/BHPS

Learn more about the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit: https://www.wildcru.org/
Learn more about Biology at Oxford:
https://www.biology.ox.ac.uk/home