German Mayors Demand Night Ban on Robot Lawnmowers to Save Hedgehogs
German mayors have issued a strong call for a nationwide ban on the night-time operation of robot lawnmowers, aiming to protect hedgehogs and other small nocturnal animals from being killed or severely injured by the machines' blades. This initiative comes as recent studies highlight the growing threat these automated devices pose to wildlife active between dusk and dawn, sparking increased demands for regulatory action.
Growing Threat to Nocturnal Wildlife
Urban development and intensive agriculture have significantly encroached on hedgehogs' natural habitats across Germany, forcing many mammals to seek refuge in urban gardens. These green spaces near residential areas have become crucial substitute habitats, but they are now under threat from the rise of automated garden equipment. Hedgehogs, in particular, are vulnerable because they tend to curl into a defensive ball when threatened rather than fleeing, making them difficult for robot mowers' sensors to detect during nighttime operations.
Claudia Kalisch, the vice-president of the German federation of cities and mayor of Lüneburg for the Green party, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "Many animals are active in gardens, particularly in the evening hours. They also depend on these green spaces in the immediate vicinity of residential areas," she stated. "That is why a nationwide ban on night-time operation of the lawnmowers is a logical protective measure." Her comments follow petitions earlier this year that garnered tens of thousands of signatures supporting similar appeals.
Call for Manufacturer Responsibility and Conservation Efforts
Kalisch also urged manufacturers of automated garden equipment to take greater responsibility in safeguarding wildlife. "We are also calling on manufacturers to find solutions to ensure that small animals are no longer endangered by robotic lawnmowers," she said on behalf of the cities' federation. "This is a key step towards protecting animals and enriching the quality of life in the city through biodiversity."
The need for such measures is underscored by the hedgehog's conservation status. Since 2024, hedgehogs have been listed as "near threatened" on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's red list, following a population decline of at least 30% over the previous decade. Beyond lawnmowers, other threats include motorised leaf blowers and vacuums, which can harm hibernating hedgehogs, and vehicle collisions, which account for up to one in three hedgehog deaths in Europe.
Research and Legal Protections
Recent research offers hope for mitigating these dangers. A study published last month by researchers at the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Danish colleagues, revealed that hedgehogs can hear high-frequency ultrasound. This discovery raises the possibility of using sonic repellers to deter them from hazardous roads. Additionally, Oxford experts have developed crash-test-dummy hedgehogs using 3D printers, working with industry to create a certification scheme for "hedgehog-friendly" mowers.
Anne Berger, a study co-author from Germany's Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, highlighted the severe impact of robot lawnmower injuries. "Injuries from robot lawnmowers place an enormous burden on animal care centres," she said. "Moreover, the majority of hedgehogs with cut injuries are found days or weeks after the accident happened and therefore have to endure considerable suffering, pain and harm."
Under German law, hedgehogs are protected species, with penalties for trapping, injuring, or killing them reaching up to €65,000 (approximately £57,000). Several urban areas, including Cologne, Leipzig, and Munich, have already implemented local bans on night-time robotic lawnmower use. However, a recent attempt by the Greens to impose a statewide ban in Bavaria did not succeed, highlighting the ongoing political challenges in achieving comprehensive protection.
