Hedgehog

Explanation

This design hedgehog is called an Eglo and is one of the winners of the ‘Made for Maastricht’ design award. Hedgehogs require sufficient shelter and foraging opportunities within their habitat. A park-like area like Tapijn is not an obvious choice. That is why the Eglo was designed; as a refuge and a possible nesting place for hedgehogs. To make the Eglo even more suitable, a shrub has been planted in it and, if necessary, fallen leaves can be placed inside.

Relationship with humans

Why we do what we do

Hedgehogs are insectivores that benefit from a ‘messy’ environment with sufficient hiding places. Hedgehogs are therefore regularly seen in gardens. In that sense, hedgehogs benefit from people. And people benefit from hedgehogs, because they eat snails, beetles, and caterpillars. On the other hand, because of the urbanisation and fencing in of gardens, it has become more difficult for hedgehogs to find suitable hiding places within the built-up environment. In addition, hedgehogs are one of the most common traffic casualties among mammals. This is because they do not flee, but roll up into the familiar prickly ball when in danger.
Do not give hedgehogs milk, because it is bad for their health.