When did hedgehogs come to NZ?

When did hedgehogs come to NZ?

1870s
Hedgehogs were first introduced in New Zealand in the 1870s to make British settlers feel more at home. Now, 150 years later, the impact hedgehogs have on our native species is only just being understood.

Where do hedgehogs come from originally?

Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that first evolved about 15 million years ago. There are 17 species in five genera of hedgehogs worldwide: Erinaceus, Paraechinus, Mesechinus, Atelerix and Hemiechinus. They live across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

Do hedgehogs hibernate in New Zealand?

In central New Zealand, most hedgehogs hibernate for about three months, usually from June to early September. In colder parts of the South Island they may hibernate for even longer. Even in frost-free Northland, hedgehogs are not often seen over the winter months.

Can you have a hedgehog as a pet in New Zealand?

no permit needed for hedgehogs. Permits are needed for species which are game animals (e.g. deer, chamois, tahr) or which are pest animals (e.g. possums, wallabies, mustelids). Other introduced mammals are fine (i.e. hedgehogs, wild rats and mice).

Where did hedgehogs come from in the UK?

Hedgehogs were introduced to New Zealand from England, and now they are abundant throughout the country, but considered a threat to native wildlife. There are about one million West European hedgehogs living in the UK.

How big do hedgehogs get in New Zealand?

Acclimatisation to New Zealand habitat. Since coming to New Zealand the hedgehog has grown a little smaller and never reaches the size or weight of animals in Britain and continental Europe. This is because European animals must reach a larger size and greater weight to survive the 6 month long period of hibernation.

How to get rid of hedgehogs in New Zealand?

Hedgehogs are therefore humanely controlled in many parts of New Zealand. DOC says on its website “You can help stop hedgehogs, don’t encourage them into your backyard by creating burrows for them or leaving milk out. Set a suitable trap for the situation you are in (suburban or rural).”

Are there fleas on hedgehogs in New Zealand?

In Europe hedgehogs carry a large number of the hedgehog flea ( Archaeopsylla erinacei ). But it appears that none survived the six-month voyage to New Zealand in the 19th century, so the New Zealand animals are free of fleas.

Hedgehogs were introduced to New Zealand from England, and now they are abundant throughout the country, but considered a threat to native wildlife. There are about one million West European hedgehogs living in the UK.

Why are hedgehogs a problem in New Zealand?

Hedgehogs Hedgehogs have voracious appetites. They pose a threat to native weta, skinks, and the eggs and chicks of ground-nesting birds. Hedgehogs are abundant throughout New Zealand, and pose a significant threat to many of our native species.

How many species of hedgehogs are there in the world?

The history of hedgehogs is long and colourful. Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals that first evolved about 15 million years ago. There are 17 species in five genera of hedgehogs worldwide: Erinaceus, Paraechinus, Mesechinus, Atelerix and Hemiechinus. They live across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.

What kind of animal does a hedgehog eat?

Hedgehogs also prey upon lizards, particularly in cooler periods when lizard activity slows. Skinks are particularly at risk. It is possible that hedgehogs also prey on endemic frog species, as they are known to take introduced frogs and their range overlaps with some New Zealand frog species.

Where do hedgehog originally come from?

Why do hedgehogs come out in the day NZ?

If you see one out during the day, it is likely to be sick or has been disturbed from its resting place, as they are usually only active at night.

Are hedgehogs allowed in New Zealand?