Hedgehogs and traffic : the effects of roads and traffic on hedgehog populations

Comprises a collection of sub-studies carried out within the scope of an investigation into the influence of hedgehog traffic deaths on hedgehog populations. In addition to the share of traffic deaths in the total losses (deaths and emigrations) and their effect on the population size, it was also determined whether the hedgehog density is adversely affected by the presence of roads and traffic. The possible points of action to implement mitigating measures were first reconnoitred in a study of the habitat selection of (linear) landscape elements and in an evaluation of an already existing index showing the chance of finding a hedgehog killed by traffic. The first and the last sections provide more general considerations of the effects of habitat fragmentation and their (possible) consequences for hedgehog populations. The emphasis in this context is on the effect of the road infrastructure.