Lawnmowers Threaten Hedgehogs

Lawnmowers Threaten Hedgehogs

Animals face many dangers in their daily lives. These include climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. Mayors in Germany have found a new danger—robot lawnmowers(割草机). These are the small machines that automatically(自动地) go up and down in people's gardens to cut the grass. German mayors say the devices are killing hedgehogs (刺猬) and other small animals, especially at night. The cities of Munich and Cologne have started a night-time ban (禁令) on the use of the lawnmowers. However, officials want a nationwide ban. Hedgehogs are particularly at risk. They curl up(蜷缩) into a ball when they sense danger. This makes it more difficult for a robot mower's sensors to recognise them.

Hedgehogs are protected under German law. People who injure, trap, or kill them could get a fine of up to 65,000. The animals have been on the“near threatened” list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature since 2024. This is because their numbers dropped by over 30 per cent in the previous ten years. Mayor Claudia Kalisch has asked lawnmower makers to do more to protect hedgehogs. She said, “We are calling on makers to find solutions to make sure that small animals are no longer endangered by robot lawnmowers.” She added, “This is a key step towards protecting animals and enriching the quality of life in the city through biodiversity.