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New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2019) 43(2): 3374

Snacks in the city: the diet of hedgehogs in Auckland urban forest fragments

Research Article
Catherine M. Nottingham 1
Alistair S. Glen 2
Margaret C. Stanley 1*
  1. Centre for Biodiversity and Biosecurity, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
  2. Landcare Research, Private Bag 92170, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
*  Corresponding author
Abstract: 

Urbanisation causes fragmentation of natural habitats, which results in loss of biodiversity, while promoting an environment that can facilitate invasive species. However, forest fragments are an important refuge for native species and therefore understanding and mitigating threats in fragments is critical. While the impacts of some mammalian pest species, such as rats (Rattus spp.), are relatively well-known in New Zealand, hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are relatively understudied invasive mammals, and their impacts in urban fragments are unknown. Hedgehogs are abundant and widespread in New Zealand, with a relatively broad diet that can include invertebrates, lizards and bird eggs. We examined the stomach contents of 44 hedgehogs collected from 10 forest fragments in urban Auckland, New Zealand. Hedgehogs were feeding predominantly on invertebrates (Coleoptera, found in 53% of stomachs; earthworms, 43%; slugs, 23%), but also weta (13%), giant centipedes (5%), birds (7%) and lizards (2%) at lower frequencies. Hedgehogs are likely to be affecting community composition primarily through predation of invertebrates, with unknown effects on their populations.