Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, has called on Ministers to give hedgehogs the same protective status as red squirrels.
Conservationists estimate that the number of hedgehogs in Britain have fallen below a million, compared to almost 30 million in 1950 with numbers in some areas showing a decline of between 30 and 50 per cent over the last 15 years.
There is no definitive cause for the hedgehog’s decline, making it difficult for conservationists to curb the falling hedgehog population.
In addition to urging Ministers to reconsider the protection of the hedgehog, Gavin is also urging constituents to sign the Government petition which calls for the creature to be added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, making it illegal to kill or injure a hedgehog or to interfere knowingly with places it uses to shelter. Developers may also have to consider the impact of their plans on hedgehog populations.
Commenting on the decline in the hedgehog population Gavin commented: "Hedgehogs used to be a common sight in gardens and hedgerows but are now glimpsed rarely and even then often as roadkill.
“Adding hedgehogs to Schedule 5 will mean that developers will have to consider hedgehogs when they build and making the killing or injuring of the animal illegal.
“I would urge constituents to sign the petition. I think it is about time hedgehogs benefitted from the same protections as so many other species which seem to be far more abundant in this country. I very much hope the Government will look to take action on this matter.”
Petition link: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/121264