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Mowing Robots Pose Threat to Hedgehogs: Baden-Württemberg Considers Night Driving Ban
In Baden-Württemberg, the rollout of mowing robots in gardens has led to a spike in injured hedgehogs. Unlike other animals, hedgehogs fail to flee when they encounter these machines and instead curl up. This unfortunate behavior results in fatal collisions, as explained by Julia Stubenbord, the state animal welfare officer in the region.
To address this issue, the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND) in Baden-Württemberg, along with the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), advocate a night driving ban for mowing robots. Several cities across Germany, including Cologne, Mainz, and soon Erfurt, have already implemented this restriction.
Statistics from Leibniz-IZW reveal that in 2024, rescue stations recorded 370 cases of cut injuries in hedgehogs between the end of June 2022 and the end of October 2023. Nearly half (47%) of these animals did not survive their wounds. Yet, it's estimated that a significant number of injured or killed hedgehogs remain unreported as they can still move and retreat to native hiding spots.
Anne Berger from Leibniz-IZW stated that at least 60% of hedgehogs found with injuries were discovered days or even weeks after the accident, leading to extended periods of suffering for the animals.
Beyond the rise of mowing robots, the numbers of hedgehogs are declining due to unfavorable living conditions. Agricultural landscapes and meticulously maintained gardens often lack adequate habitats for these creatures, exacerbating their struggles to thrive. Furthermore, speeding vehicles cause numerous fatalities, and food scarcity plagues them due to the dwindling insect count.
In Germany, the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is classified on the Red List's pre-warning list and is considered "potentially threatened" on the international IUCN Red List.
The debate on imposing a night driving ban for mowing robots in Baden-Württemberg arises as modern technology advancements offer alternative solutions. For instance, some robotic mowers, such as the WORX Landroid Vision AI robotic mower, have vision AI and advanced sensors to detect people, pets, wildlife, and other obstacles, enabling safe night-time operation. Moreover, some models incorporate lidar technology for 360° omnidirectional perception and intelligent obstacle avoidance, even in low-light conditions.
By developing technology that enables robots to detect and avoid animals, manufacturers prioritize wildlife safety rather than relying on time-based restrictions like night driving bans. The effectiveness of such bans remains to be seen, but innovative solutions are proving promising in ensuring the safety of nocturnal species like the declining hedgehog population.
- Environmental protection is a crucial concern as the increase in the use of mowing robots in gardens contributes to a rising number of injured hedgehogs, prompting calls for night driving bans.
- The integration of advancements in science, such as vision AI and sensor technology, in robotic mowers presents an opportunity to prioritize environmental health and animal safety, potentially reducing the need for regulation like night driving bans.
