**Introduction**
Robot lawnmowers have become a popular choice for many homeowners looking to keep their lawns neatly trimmed without the hassle of manual mowing. However, these convenient gadgets are posing a serious threat to hedgehogs, with many being killed or injured due to the lack of safety features in these machines. Scientists from Oxford University have conducted tests to create a ‘hedgehog friendly’ certification for robot mowers to ensure the safety of these prickly mammals.
**The Threat to Hedgehogs**
Hedgehogs are already facing numerous threats to their survival, including habitat loss, road traffic accidents, intensive agriculture, and injuries from dog bites and garden strimmers. Now, robot lawnmowers are adding to these threats by causing harm to hedgehogs that come in contact with them. Many hedgehog rehabilitation centers have reported an increase in injuries caused by robotic lawnmowers, highlighting the urgent need for action to protect these vulnerable creatures.
**Creating a ‘Hedgehog Friendly’ Certification**
Researchers from the University of Oxford have developed a series of tests to determine the safety of robot mowers in relation to hedgehogs. By using rubber ‘crash test hedgehogs’ in place of living hedgehogs, scientists were able to assess the response of the mowers when encountering these creatures on the lawn. The goal is to establish a standardized safety test that manufacturers can use to ensure their robot mowers are safe for hedgehogs before they are released to the market.
**The Importance of Hedgehog Conservation**
Dr. Sophie Lund Rasmussen emphasized the importance of identifying and phasing out robot mowers that pose a threat to hedgehogs. The new safety test developed by the researchers will play a crucial role in hedgehog conservation efforts by enabling manufacturers to create ‘hedgehog friendly’ models that do not harm these animals. The ultimate aim is to make the safety test a standard requirement in the UK and European markets to protect hedgehogs from unnecessary harm.
**Recommendations for Hedgehog Friendly Mowers**
To make robot mowers more hedgehog friendly, the researchers suggest incorporating sensors that can detect hedgehogs and blades that retract when they encounter anything harder than grass. These safety features can help prevent injuries to hedgehogs and reduce the burden on hedgehog care centers that are currently dealing with a high number of robot mower-related injuries. The support of mower makers such as STIHL and Husqvarna is crucial in implementing these changes and ensuring the safety of hedgehogs.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the lack of safety features in robot lawnmowers is posing a serious threat to hedgehogs, with many being injured or killed as a result. The efforts of researchers from Oxford University to create a ‘hedgehog friendly’ certification for robot mowers are a crucial step towards protecting these vulnerable creatures. By implementing recommended safety features and conducting standardized tests, manufacturers can ensure that their robot mowers do not harm hedgehogs and contribute to their conservation. It is essential for all stakeholders, including manufacturers, researchers, and conservation organizations, to work together to address this issue and safeguard the future of hedgehogs in our gardens.