The Algerian hedgehog, ‘Atelerix algirus’, in Manikata : aspects of population dynamics and traffic-related mortality

Abstract

The Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus), which is also known as the North African hedgehog or the Vagrant hedgehog, is the only native species of hedgehog recorded in the Maltese Islands. This species, is endemic to the Mediterranean region, and is considered an archaeophyte in the Maltese Islands. The population of Algerian hedgehog is believed to be declining across the Mediterranean region; however, there is no population data for this animal, and thus no evidence of decline. The volume of traffic passing through the village of Manikata and its surroundings has recently increased; this may have affected the frequency of hedgehog road-kill incidence in the locality. The three main aims of this study were to gather information about some aspects of the population dynamics of the hedgehog population inhabiting the area of study, to identify the approximate locations of some hedgehog habitats within the study area, and to identify any patterns or changes in road-kill frequency or location within the area by comparing past (1998-2000) and present road-kill data. A critique of the existing literature on A. algirus is provided, along with an outline of its taxonomy and related physiognomical features, ecology, and historical and cultural aspects. The distribution of Algerian hedgehogs across the study area was estimated following a ‘trap and release’ session. The roads which had the highest number of recorded road-kills were identified, and determined to be trafficsensitive areas. Hedgehog road-kill data was compared to past years (1998- 2000); this led to the identification of a significant increase in the number of recorded road-kills in May and October of 1998-2000, and a shift in the peak towards July and August of 2015. The overall frequency of road-kill incidence within the area of study was found to have declined between 1998-2000 and 2015; however, the number of vehicles in the Maltese Islands has increased over the same timeframe. This may imply that the population size of Algerian hedgehog inhabiting the study area has decreased over this period.