News

15 June 2007

UIST Hedgehog Rescue moves hundreds more hedgehogs to
mainland Scotland

Since hedgehogs on the Uists came out of hibernation this spring, the Uist Hedgehog Rescue (UHR)¹ coalition has translocated 241 animals to mainland Scotland. UHR is working with the Uist Wader Project (UWP)², which is handing over all the hedgehogs it catches so that they can be taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust on the mainland and then released into suitable sites. This Spring’s catching period began on 19 March and has now ended.

Since 2003, UHR has now rescued and relocated 967 hedgehogs. The hedgehogs are being removed from the islands in an attempt to protect the eggs of internationally important populations of ground nesting wading birds on the islands.

UHR Spokesperson, Ross Minett, says: "We are delighted to have successfully removed hundreds more hedgehogs from the Uists this Spring to be released on mainland Scotland. We have been pleased to be working with the Uist Wader Project, which handed over to us all the hedgehogs it has caught. All hedgehogs have been carefully monitored and health-checked before being released into appropriate sites. We hope to continue with our productive working relationship next year to continue removing hedgehogs which should benefit the important breeding populations of wading birds on the Uists."

Notes to Editors
For interviews, further information or photographs of the latest hedgehogs to be released please contact Ross Minett on 0131 225 6039, 07946 517585 or by email at
ross @ advocatesforanimals.org.

1. UHR consists of Advocates for Animals, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust and International Animal Rescue. For more information see www.uhr.org.uk

2. UWP consists of Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Executive and RSPB Scotland. For more information see www.snh.org.uk/scottish/wisles/waders

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