Igel in Bayern

Igel in Bayern is a public wildlife-conservation project run by the Landesbund für Vogel- und Naturschutz in Bayern (LBV), the Bavarian Association for the Protection of Birds and Nature. Launched in 2015 with Bayerischer Rundfunk, the initiative invites residents to report hedgehog sightings, helping researchers learn more about the species’ distribution and way of life. Since autumn 2023, reports have also contributed to the nationwide “Germany Searches for Hedgehogs and Moles” initiative, a partnership involving the LBV, German Wildlife Foundation, NABU|naturgucker and other organizations.

The project provides practical information about hedgehogs, including their habitats, common dangers, garden-friendly measures and guidance on what to do when an animal may need help. Visitors can submit records of living or dead hedgehogs, view sightings on a map, and share photographs. The LBV also answers questions about hedgehog behavior and appropriate responses to encounters. Its public resources and annual reporting campaigns support long-term monitoring, helping build a clearer picture of hedgehog populations and inform future conservation action.