Red List of South African Species

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Near Threatened (NT)
Assessors: Jessica Light Neville Pillay
Contributors: Lizanne Roxburgh Michael Hoffmann John Power
Reviewers: Nico Avenant Matthew Child

Rationale (Changed due to Same category and criteria)

Although this charismatic species has a wide range across the assessment region, and occurs across a variety of habitats, including rural and peri-urban gardens, there is a suspected continuing decline in the population. From 1980 to 2014, there has been an estimated 5% loss in extent of occurrence and 11–16% loss in area of occupancy (based on quarter degree grid cells) due to agricultural, industrial and urban expansion. This equates to a c. 3.6–5.3% loss in occupancy over three generations (c. 11 years). Since the 1900s, there is estimated to have been a total loss in occupancy of 40.4%. Similarly, a recent study using species distribution modelling has projected a further decline in occupancy by 2050 due to climate change. Corroborating these data, many anecdotal reports from landowners across the country suggest a decline of some sort over the past 10–20 years due to predation by domestic pets, fire frequency, pesticide usage, electrocution on game fences, and ongoing illegal harvesting for the pet trade and traditional medicine trade. For example, there has been an 8% decrease in reported questionnaire-based sightings frequency in a section of the North West Province since the 1980s. Simultaneously, from 2000 to 2013, there has been a rural and urban settlement expansion of 1–39% and 6–15% respectively in all provinces where the species occurs. While it is not urban and rural expansion per se that threatens this species (but rather the associated threats of domestic animals, harvesting and restricted movement), and thus the rate of settlement expansion is not necessarily linear with population decline, we suspect it to be qualitatively indicative of increasing threat levels and thus a declining population.

Research is urgently needed to quantify local rates of decline over a three-generation period, which will require systematic monitoring. This species should be reassessed as such data become available, as it may qualify for uplisting to a more threatened category. Currently, we retain the listing of Near Threatened but change the criteria to A4cde to reflect a suspected population reduction ranging from 1% to 39% over the past three generations and an inferred continuing decline due to intensifying threats. Key interventions include creating conservancies and indigenous gardens, enforcement of legislation that regulates illegal harvesting and trading, and the continued collection of distribution records by both conservationists and the public.

Regional population effects: This species' distribution is discontinuous, with the Namibia and Angola populations not connecting with the South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe populations (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). Movement between these two populations is expected to be limited or completely restricted due to the large geographic distance separating them, and low vagility of the species. Dispersal of individuals from Botswana and Zimbabwe into South Africa is likely, as well as emigration of South African hedgehogs into these neighbouring countries. However dispersal rates have not been documented for the species and further studies are required to determine whether the movements are increasing or decreasing. Thus, the Near Threatened listing is retained

Distribution

Southern African Hedgehogs range from southwestern Angola in the west, through northwestern and central Namibia, eastern Botswana, much of South Africa and western Zimbabwe. The species also may, possibly, occur marginally in the lower elevation areas of Lesotho and the western edge of Swaziland (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). However, it has not been recorded in Swaziland to date (Monadjem 1998; A. Monadjem pers. comm. 2016). In Lesotho, no records have been found or reported since the 1970s (Lynch 1994; Ambrose 2006; N.L. Avenant unpubl. data); following a recent series of questionnaires in the highlands and lowlands of Lesotho (between 2000 and 2014) this species is unknown in the Highlands, and only the older inhabitants remember them previously occurring in the lowlands. Lynch visually recorded them from the north-eastern areas of the Eastern Cape Province (Lynch 1989), but there are no known recent records. 

In South Africa, the species occurs throughout Gauteng, Free State and North West provinces, western Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. In the Northern Cape, they occur in the northeast and southwards towards the Grahamstown district of the Eastern Cape (Figure 1). Although previously thought not to occur in KwaZulu-Natal, new data suggest that they marginally occur along the northern boundary with Free State and Mpumalanga provinces (Figure 1). They have not been recorded to occur in the coastal Namib Desert and have limited recorded occurrence in the Kalahari Desert (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). 

Systematic sampling across the species’ range and collection of incidental sightings data are greatly needed to further establish to what degree a range contraction has taken place. For example, there is much controversy about whether the species distribution is truly discontinuous. Morphometric analysis found low levels of variation between the two populations within the southern African distribution, suggesting a recent separation or ongoing movement (Rotherham 2007). With little development in the Kalahari Desert and no records found in the area, it would require extensive sampling to provide evidence of a continuous distribution.

The current extent of occurrence (EOO) is estimated to be 748,169 km2, but is estimated to have declined by 9% over the last century (since 1900) from 820,633 km2. This equates to a 5% decline in EOO since 1980. Similarly, using quarter degree grid cells as a proxy of area of occupancy (AOO), there was a 40% decline in AOO since 1900 and a 11–16% decline between 1980 and 2014 (Light 2015). It is difficult to determine the exact rate of habitat loss due to lack of systematic monitoring, historical under-sampling and inconsistent search effort across vast areas of the country. Although these estimates cannot be used to estimate a reduction in abundance directly, there has certainly been some inferred decline.

Population trend

Trend

Not enough is known about the species to describe a population trend. However, many areas across the assessment region have reported fewer sightings in the last 10–20 years (Light 2015; N.L. Avenant pers. obs.). Similarly, there has been an inferred 8% decline since the 1980s in reported sightings from questionnaire-based surveys in the former Cape Province region of the North West Province (Power 2014), and the species is uncommon throughout the province (Power 2014). This decrease in reporting rate could be from the combination of intensifying threats of predation by domestic pets, electrocution on electric fences, road-related mortality, increase in fire frequency, illegal harvesting for the pet trade and traditional medicine trade, and loss of habitat or habitat fragmentation from agriculture and urbanisation. Unfortunately, no new research has been conducted to establish the rate of decline between 2004 (Friedmann & Daly 2004) and present. However, due to the elusive nature of the species, the suspected decline would require extensive survey and tracking to confirm (Light 2015). A recent study, using species distribution modelling, has projected a continuing loss in range by 2050 due to climate change. The areas expected to show the greatest decline are Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa (in the Northern Cape and North West provinces) (Light 2015).

It is possible that declines could be mitigated through the occurrence of hedgehogs in gardens, although most gardens are likely to be unsuitable due to the presence of domestic dogs and cats, electric fences and pools. The frequent number of individuals brought to rehabilitation centres attest to this. Numerous hedgehogs have been known to drown in pools or be electrocuted on electric fences, as well as sustain fatal injuries from dog and cat bites (Light 2015).

Generation length for this species is estimated to be 3.7 years (Pacifici et al. 2013), which equates to c. 11 years for a three-generation length window. Further surveying and monitoring work over this time period is required to determine a more accurate rate of decline for this species. They are expected to be more threatened in areas of high human settlement density (for example, in Lesotho and the eastern Free State; N.L. Avenant pers. obs.). As no density studies have been performed, a baseline density is urgently needed against which future densities can be evaluated. This species is cause for concern and should be reassessed when new data are available as uplisting may be appropriate.

Threats

No direct research has been conducted to empirically document threats to this species. However, we suspect that a number of threats may be causing the population to decline. The most severe threats currently, are habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation from urban sprawl and agriculture which leads to habitat fragmentation; and illegal harvesting from the wild for food, or for sale as pets and traditional medicine (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). The latter threats may be intensified by the former. Similarly, land-use change leads to secondary effects, such as poisoning from control schemes aimed at insects (for example, vegetable farm owners in the Bainsvlei area of the Free State Province mention a severe decrease in numbers over the past 20 years; N.L. Avenant unpubl. data); increased predation from domestic animals; and increased electrocutions from electric fencing, the extent of which is increasing with the expansion of the wildlife ranching industry and similarly threatening other species (Pietersen et al. 2011).

Roads are also suspected to be a threat to hedgehogs, especially after the first summer rains when they emerge to forage on insects (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). For example, in the dry western and southern Free State, hedgehogs killed on roads have often been observed after rain (N.L. Avenant pers. obs.) and are also recorded on the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Roadkill database (W. Collinson unpubl. data).

Further research is needed to document how these threats are impacting the population, but since anecdotal evidence suggests fewer sightings of this species over the past decade, we suspect that the threats are causing population decline. In the western and southern Free State some farm workers have reported numbers to be low, but stable over the last 10–20 years; some hunters have, however, reported them to now be more frequently seen, potentially due to stricter dog control on farms; some other farmers in the same region are concerned that increased Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas) densities may have a detrimental impact on the already low hedgehog numbers (N.L. Avenant pers. obs.). The net effect of such land-use and management practice changes must be evaluated.

Uses and trade

This species is a delicacy (food source) in some African cultures and is harvested locally (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). This species is also locally and commercially sold as pets, although many tenrecs are sold masquerading as South African Hedgehogs. Their spines and bones are also sold locally and are commonly seen in muti markets; for example, at Faraday Market in Johannesburg (Whiting et al. 2011), and in Xhosa-speaking regions (Simelane & Kerley 1998). Similarly, in the Basotho-speaking areas of the eastern Free State and Lesotho, questionnaires indicate that traditional healers use them when they can find them (N.L. Avenant unpubl. data). Their spines are also often sold ornamentally in curio shops across the country. The effects of these uses are unknown but, when coupled with habitat loss, will likely result in declines in local population numbers.

Conservation

The Southern African Hedgehog has been recorded in a number of protected areas across its range. They are not present in Kruger National Park. Currently, there are no conservation interventions for this species and no management plans or monitoring schemes. The first step to redress this is to establish systematic long-term monitoring at key points across its range. Similarly, one of the most important interventions currently is to launch a systematic monitoring scheme into both the local and international trade of Southern African Hedgehogs, which, as for many other hedgehog species, may become an increasingly severe threat in the future (Nijman & Bergin 2015).

Education and awareness campaigns are also a key intervention. Southern African Hedgehogs are protected under nature conservation ordinances in each province of South Africa. In the Northern Cape, they are listed as a specially protected species and they are considered a protected species in Limpopo. These Nature Conservation Ordinances indicate that permits are required to own, possess, restrain, hunt, sell, trade, import, export, transport, donate or release a Southern African Hedgehog. In these ordinances it does not always specifically identify Southern African Hedgehogs but uses the broarder term “wild animal”, which in all the ordinances is defined as a vertebrate animal that is not domesticated and where part of the species’ natural habitat is within the Republic of South Africa. Owning Southern African Hedgehogs is therefore an illegal activity if the owner does not possess a permit. Many people are aware that they are indigenous to South Africa and so become very concerned when seeing individuals for sale. Hedgehogs are frequently sold in pet shops but generally these are African Pygmy Hedgehogs (a hybrid species) and Madagascan Lesser Hedgehog Tenrecs (Echinops telfairi). While it may seem like an interesting pet to own, one must keep in mind that these animals are not domesticated and are poorly understood. Adequate provision for these animals' needs can be nearly impossible to attain. Species from more tropical climates, such as tenrecs, are not physiologically suited to foreign environments. As such, they require the provision of heating lamps and a water source for humidity (Macdonald 2010). Such pets also pose a risk to their owners, both tenrecs and hedgehogs are carriers of zoonotic disease. The nature of the spines covering their body provide an opportune breeding site for ticks, fleas and other organisms (Macdonald 2010). They are unable to clean these areas and so the growth of parasites and zoonotic diseases is uncontrolled. Additionally, few veterinarians are familiar with working on such animals and so owning these types of wild animals is not advised.

While the species in pet shops are typically exotic, occasionally opportunistic people try to sell Southern African Hedgehogs. Due to lack of knowledge, some can purchase indigenous species from so called “breeders” on internet sites, only to find out later it was an illegal activity (J. Light pers obs. 2015). The species is also illegally harvested for the muti market and bush meat trade. Another threat, born out of good intention, is that residents discover a Southern African Hedgehog and assume that it must be lost and/or injured. These animals are then taken away to rehabilitation centres or relocated out of the area. Southern African Hedgehogs are one of a few urban-living species that occupy open areas in our cities and one which we can help to thrive as a resident in the community. Any removal from nature will impact the breeding potential and genetic variability of free-living subpopulations, so relocation or keeping Southern African Hedgehogs as pets should be actively discouraged.

We also need to educate landowners on how to create garden habitat that is suitable for this species and to encourage rural landowners to drop fences or provide access points (through or under fences) between their properties. Conservationists should also educate and encourage local communities to substitute this species with an alternative source of food or work with communities to set up a sustainable trade.

The restoration of natural habitat in urban and rural areas, with corridors between such areas, will also benefit this species. The European Hedgehog is known to move between pockets of suitable habitat using riverine and road corridors (Dickman & Doncaster 1987). Preservation of riverine and road side vegetation could provide suitable corridors of movement for our species. Since the Southern African Hedgehog is known to be an urban-living species, members of the public could support its existence in urban environments by releasing stray animals into a nearby nature reserve rather than removing the animal from its home and releasing it at a nature reserve some distance away. Biodiversity stewardship schemes could be used in heavily urbanised regions such as Gauteng to provide refuges and corridors under an urban and rural spatial planning framework (Light 2015). For example, the Gauteng Biodiversity Stewardship Programme aims to conserve 30 km2 of dry grassland for Southern African Hedgehogs over five years (Compaan 2011).

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners: Very little is known about this species and that creates the first dilemma. The most important starting point for conservation is monitoring the species and keeping records of when and where Southern African Hedgehogs are seen. Monitoring can be done using active searching at night or setting up camera traps near insect feeding stations. You can report sightings of Southern African Hedgehogs to the IFAH Project (I Found A Hedgehog) on ifoundahedgehog@gmail.com or on the website http://ifoundahedgehog.wix.com/hedgehogs. From research in urban areas, hedgehogs appear to prefer dense vegetation habitats, which would provide suitable nesting sites and food availability (Artingstall 2013). These habitats should be restored and protected by land managers and conservation managers. 


Research priorities:
  • Throughout southern Africa, occurrence data are limited for the species and so in-depth surveys are required to accurately determine the species’ distribution. This is currently the focus of the IFAH Project (I Found A Hedgehog) at the University of the Witwatersrand. The research is aimed at assessing the distribution of Atelerix frontalis in southern Africa by encouraging the public to report when and where they find hedgehogs.
  • Long-term monitoring at key sites, in conjunction with survey work, is needed to estimate population trends within the assessment region. 
  • Similarly, research on harvest trends needs to be conducted, including field surveys and internet searches.
  • As no density studies have been performed, baseline densities from representative ecological settings are urgently needed against which future declines can be evaluated.
  • Genetic studies are urgently required across the distributional range to assess the level of genetic variation and population health and viability.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  • Citizens can help by reporting sightings of Southern African Hedgehog to the IFAH Project (I Found A Hedgehog) on ifoundahedgehog@gmail.com or on the website http://ifoundahedgehog.wix.com/hedgehogs, which will help us to better record the distribution of the species and determine population trends. 
  • Citizens can also help by not participating in the trade of the species as pets, food or medicine, as well as not removing hedgehogs from protected or natural areas.
  • The presence of natural vegetation in urban areas is important in preserving wild hedgehog populations, but the presence of predators such as people and dogs threatens their survival. Home owners should thus leave sections of their property natural and undisturbed, as well as prevent pets from accessing these areas. Compost heaps and leaf litter are also good ways of promoting insect life and facilitating hedgehog presence.

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