Written question WQ84717

The State of Mammals in Wales report, produced by the Mammal Society of Great Britain, for Natural Resources Wales gives a summary of our current knowledge. Wales’ population is estimated at around 86,800 and suggests it is declining. The species’ range has remained relatively stable since 1993, suggesting that declines in population size are primarily owing to reduced density.

Hedgehogs are challenging to survey with any degree of accuracy as they often inhabit private property, including people’s gardens. This raises issues of permission for access by surveyors. A single hedgehog’s territory may cross a number of urban properties, so absence from one garden at any one time may not indicate absence of hedgehogs.