A team of researchers from the University of Oxford has identified Europe’s oldest hedgehog, tracing its age to a remarkable 16 years when it lived in Denmark. The study appears in a scientific magazine focusing on zoology and wildlife biology.
Prior to this discovery, the longest-lived hedgehog on record reached nine years. To understand how hedgehog populations across Europe have shifted over time, the researchers examined a large collection of deceased specimens. In total, they analyzed the bones of 697 carcasses, including three individuals that surpassed the nine year mark in age.
Hedgehogs experience slow bone growth during hibernation, a period when metabolic processes relax and development briefly pauses. This results in the formation of growth rings on bones, much like tree rings, which biologists use to estimate the animal’s age at death. Based on the preservation of these rings, the ages of the study subjects at the time of death were approximately 16, 13, and 11 years for certain individuals.
The data also show that survival rates are relatively low for wild hedgehogs. Roughly one third of individuals fail to reach their first birthday, while the majority live only a couple of years. The researchers note that human activities play a significant role in hedgehog mortality. Traffic accidents account for more than half of adult deaths, and a substantial portion of fatalities occurs in rehabilitation centers where animals arrive after injuries, such as dog attacks, and require medical care before release or permanent removal from the wild.
Another key finding highlights a broader trend: European hedgehog populations have experienced a noticeable decline in recent years. By analyzing behavior and tracing the causes of death, scientists aim to identify practical steps to safeguard these creatures. The work underscores the importance of habitat connectivity, careful road planning, and public awareness to minimize threats and support hedgehog recovery. Ultimately, understanding life expectancy, mortality factors, and population dynamics helps conservationists design targeted actions that reduce the risk of decline and potential extinction for this familiar nocturnal mammal.