We need you to answer this question! Hedgehogs were also introduced to wildlife in New Zealand and some sections of the islands of Scotland. European hedgehogs range across Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandinavia to Romania. Abstract. The only mite found on New Zealand hedgehogs in early studies was Caparinia tripilis, with Sarcoptes scabiei first being reported in 1996. We also describe and compare the diets of nine hedgehogs and measure dietary overlap between these individuals. Despite this, we still have no robust estimates of hedgehog densities in any New Zealand habitats. While not previously considered a significant threat to native fauna in New Zealand … When were hedgehogs introduced to NZ? Nor North America (including Canada)? Their body temperature and heart rate fall to as little as 20 beats per minute, from it usual rate of 190 beats per minute. Often you'll see images on the internet of hedgehogs having baths, being cuddled and on rat wheels and yes they're very cute. For example, of 3,636 introduced predators trapped by DOC at Macraes Flat over 3 years, an astounding 63% were hedgehogs. Behaviour. European hedgehogs are nocturnal animals, and their dominant senses are hearing and olfaction. Hedgehogs are mainly solitary animals and are nocturnal by nature, but are most active in the evenings and mornings and after fresh rainfalls. European Hedgehogs hibernate throughout the winter and it is during this time that most hedgehog fatalities take place. Young hedgehog found on the track outside the pest exclusion fence of the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. Before the impacts of hedgehogs on our native species were widely known, it was common to feed milk or cat food to hedgehogs in urban gardens. We also describe and compare the diets of nine hedgehogs and measure dietary overlap between these individuals. European hedgehogs were brought to New Zealand by European colonists in the 1870s to remind them of their homeland. Hedgehogs were introduced to New Zealand from England, and now they are abundant throughout the country, but considered a threat to native wildlife. The species of hedgehog we have here in NZ is the wild European Hedgehog this is the only species we have in New Zealand. They were also introduced as an extra food source for the English settlers. This pattern is repeated in trapping data from across the country. It is a well-known species, and a favourite in European gardens, … Habitat European Hedgehogs are found in woodland, farmland, and suburban areas throughout Europe. Before the impacts of hedgehogs on our native species were widely known, it was common to feed milk or cat food to hedgehogs in urban gardens. New Zealand has tried to get into the export act with the European spe­cies, but with mixed results. Present also on Mediterranean islands (Corsica, Sardinia, Elba, Sicily), on most of the French Atlantic islands as well as on British Islands (autochthonous and introduced). Rabbits were introduced into New Zealand for the "sport" of hunting, in the 1830s.